Battery box

Abstract

The invention provides a battery cartridge 1 comprising a tubular sleeve defining a longitudinal internal channel 5 having a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal internal channel 5 sized to hold a plurality of batteries 2A to 2D in a single linear array. In one embodiment, a waste battery must be inserted at the first end of the sleeve in order to eject a new battery 2A from the second end of the sleeve, and the cartridge 1 further has a barrier 17 extending through the second end of the sleeve in order to prevent the battery 2A from being pushed out of the cartridge 1 in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the barrier 17 is arranged to retain the battery 2A in an accommodation space at the second end of the sleeve from which the battery can be pushed out of the cartridge through a first opening 43 in the sleeve. The battery box 1 provides safer accommodation for the battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery box suitable for safely packaging, storing and dispensing one or more new batteries at the point of sale and / or for receiving one or more used batteries for disposal or other treatment. The battery box can be suitable for batteries commonly known as button cells, such as the common 2032, 2025 and 2016 models or sizes (the sizes most dangerous to young children), as well as larger and smaller models of button cells. These button cells now have many applications in household devices, such as calculators, audio devices in children's toys and books, watches, hearing aids, scales and other household devices powered by button cells. However, the present invention is also applicable to battery boxes for some other types of batteries, particularly cylindrical batteries, such as AA batteries and AAA batteries. Background Art

[0002] As the use of the above types of batteries becomes more common, consumers are particularly concerned about the safe storage of new and spent batteries throughout the battery lifecycle, starting at the purchase stage, as well as the safe disposal of such batteries (especially button cells), as a significant number of these batteries are accidentally swallowed by children and pets every year. In addition to the potential choking hazard, these types of batteries also present a risk of internal combustion, which is caused by the chemical discharge or discharge of the battery. This requires urgent surgical removal, otherwise it can cause lifelong injuries or even death.

[0003] To partially address the above problems, button batteries in devices are now sometimes secured in place by screws in a cover, particularly in the case of children's toys, which often prevents access to such batteries by small children who are most susceptible to ingesting such batteries.

[0004] Also aimed at the above problem is the battery box disclosed in the international patent application with publication number WO2020 / 232497A1. The battery box disclosed in the patent provides safe packaging at the point of sale, safe storage before use and distribution of new batteries, and safe storage and disposal of waste batteries. The battery box can be sold separately to insert the waste batteries, or new batteries can be purchased in blister packs, or a battery box with a pre-loaded number of new batteries stored therein can be purchased, and each new battery is dispensed from a second end opposite to the first end by inserting the waste batteries at the first end. A significant advantage of this arrangement is that it ensures that the waste batteries are stored safely, as it is usually necessary to insert the waste batteries removed from the device into the battery box in order to remove the new replacement battery to be used in the device from the battery box. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an improved battery pack.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery box, comprising a sleeve, the sleeve defining a longitudinal internal channel, the longitudinal internal channel having a longitudinal axis and having a substantially uniform rectangular cross-section along its length, wherein: the sleeve comprises a first main surface or a portion thereof opposite to the second main surface, and a first main surface opposite to the second main surface, each pair of opposite surfaces being arranged to accommodate batteries of a size to be accommodated in the battery box in a single linear array in use, and to prevent the batteries from overlapping each other in the sleeve; the sleeve having a first end, the first end being open to accommodate the batteries; the sleeve having a second end opposite to the first end, the second end of the sleeve having a blocking member or a partial blocking member crossing the second end of the sleeve to prevent the batteries from overlapping each other in the sleeve; The sleeve is configured to be pushed out of the box in the direction of the longitudinal axis; the second end of the sleeve has a blocking member or a partial blocking member that crosses the end of the sleeve to prevent the battery from being pushed out of the box in the direction of the longitudinal axis; the blocking member or the partial blocking member is arranged together with at least two opposite faces of the sleeve to hold the battery in the accommodating space of the sleeve at the second end of the sleeve; a first opening, the size of which allows the battery in the accommodating space to be pushed through the first opening, and a second opening opposite to the first opening or an area opposite to the first opening is arranged to allow a user to apply pressure to the battery to push the battery out of the accommodating space, so that the battery extends from the first opening in the box to a position at which the battery can be pulled out of the box, or at which the battery is completely pushed out of the battery box through the first opening.

[0007] Relative to the battery box disclosed in WO2020 / 232497A1, the battery box according to the first aspect of the present invention has all the above advantages. In addition, the battery box of the present invention provides an additional feature, namely, a blocking member or a partial blocking member is provided at the end of the sleeve of the battery box, which allows the battery box to effectively catch the battery ejected from the channel of the battery box, and then keep the battery in the accommodation space until the user subsequently pushes their finger or thumb through the second opening, for example, or applies pressure on the second opening area, which can be a flexible membrane or form a deflectable portion, so as to force the battery downward, causing the battery to shift, so that the front end of the battery protrudes below the level of the bottom surface of the box, so that the battery can be pulled out of the battery box by the fingers and thumb of the user's other hand. Alternatively, the box can be arranged to allow the battery to be completely pushed out of the battery box through the first opening in one movement. In the case of providing a second opening, its size can be designed so that the battery cannot pass through the second opening.

[0008] The battery holder according to the first aspect of the invention provides a significant advantage over known battery holders because it requires at least two separate and distinct actions to be performed to obtain a new battery from the battery holder. These two distinct actions are unlikely to be performed by infants or small children, who are most vulnerable to the threat of stray batteries.

[0009] One advantage of requiring at least two independent actions is that it prevents or at least significantly reduces the likelihood that a baby or small child will somehow randomly release the batteries from the box while playing with the box in the first place. This also applies to slightly older or more curious babies or small children who can see the shiny batteries inside and deliberately try to remove them because here the batteries at the dispensing end are essentially hidden by the barrier. The barrier also prevents the entry of new batteries and prevents an object from being easily pushed into the channel from the second end to push one or more batteries back along the channel and out the first end of the channel.

[0010] The more exposed first end of the battery box for receiving the waste battery is more easily secured by a one-way mechanism that only allows the battery to enter the battery box. In addition, any thin object inserted into the passage of the battery box through the opening of the first end for receiving the waste battery may cause the battery to be pushed inside the box, but this cannot cause the battery to be dispensed from the box.

[0011] In addition to the above, the arrangement of the blocking member or part of the blocking member can also greatly reduce the possibility of the battery accidentally detaching from the box, for example, when the box is dropped on a hard surface or is shaken vigorously. This is because, if the battery box is dropped or shaken in such a way that the battery pops out of the passage at the second end of the sleeve, then the battery will likely be captured by the blocking member and retained in the receiving space. The action of dropping or shaking the battery box is less likely to cause the battery to first move in a first direction (which is required to exit the passage of the sleeve and enter the receiving space), and then move in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction (which is required for the battery to then exit the retaining space through the first opening), which requires pressing the battery in the retaining space.

[0012] In addition to the barrier feature, additional safety is provided to prevent the above-mentioned battery from being released by an infant or small child, or accidentally released by the battery box being dropped. The provision of the barrier and the accommodation space provides a battery box that is more convenient to use. This is particularly the case where, at the first end of the sleeve, the first main face or a portion thereof terminates before the second main face, so that the second main face defines an open platform portion, and the battery can be placed on the platform portion and / or aligned with the channel before the battery is pushed into the channel. With this feature, in order to insert a dead battery to allow a new battery to be ejected from the battery box, it is most convenient to hold the battery box with one hand, while the other hand places the dead battery on the platform at the first end of the battery box, and then push the battery along the platform into the channel of the sleeve.

[0013] The above process then simultaneously causes the new battery to be ejected from the passageway at the second end of the sleeve, which, in the absence of a barrier or partial barrier forming a receiving space, would cause the ejected battery to fall out of the box, which would cause the battery to contact the floor and roll out of sight, under furniture or the like, and subsequently be discovered by a child or pet. Although this possibility is not great for any one battery box, thousands of batteries of the relevant type are replaced every day, and many children are killed by such batteries every year, and many more children suffer trauma and pain from ingesting such batteries, especially in cases where the child does not have immediate access to appropriate medical facilities.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention, a blocking member is arranged at the end of the battery box channel, allowing the user to hold the battery box with one hand while pushing the used battery into the channel of the sleeve with the other hand to eject the new battery. The new battery will then be automatically captured by the blocking member and held in the receiving space, enabling the user to hold the battery box with one hand in a second separate action, press the battery out of the receiving space, the battery partially passes through the first opening of the battery box, and then can use the other hand to simultaneously pull the battery out of the battery box from the first opening, or alternatively, can press the battery all the way out into the palm or fingers of the other hand. In either case, the battery held in the receiving space greatly reduces the possibility of the battery falling.

[0015] The barrier or part of the barrier may preferably be formed by opposing faces of the sleeve, more preferably by two opposing secondary faces, extending inwardly at the second end of the sleeve, and these faces may extend inwardly and connect to define a barrier in the form of a closed loop at the end of the sleeve. This is advantageous because the barrier can match the curved shape of the button cell, thereby wrapping the cell in the accommodation space to help retain the cell in the accommodation space.

[0016] The opposing faces may define a first opening of the sleeve and a second opening opposite the first opening. The second opening is arranged to allow a user to apply pressure to the battery in the receiving space to push the battery out of the receiving space, so that the battery extends from the first opening in the box to a position where the battery can be pulled out of the box, or where the battery is completely pushed out of the battery box through the first opening.

[0017] Preferably, the second opening is sized to prevent a battery of a size that the case is intended to accommodate from passing through the second opening, thereby preventing the second opening from being another potential location where a battery may exit the case.

[0018] In an embodiment where the sleeve has a second opening opposite to the first opening, the second opening is arranged to allow a user to apply pressure to the battery in the accommodation space, and the battery compartment may further include a cover arranged to be retained on or in the second opening to prevent the user from applying pressure to the battery in the accommodation space, thereby preventing the user from pushing the battery out of the accommodation space. This is advantageous because it provides a "locking" function, requiring the cover to be opened first before the battery can be removed from the accommodation space or pressed out of the accommodation space.

[0019] Preferably, the battery compartment includes at least two clips arranged to hold the cover in place over or in the second opening, wherein the two clips are arranged so that they must be released simultaneously to allow the cover to be opened from the second opening. This requirement to release both clips simultaneously can be difficult for infants or small children to achieve, so providing two clips can effectively provide a lock to prevent very small children from opening the cover and then having the opportunity to release the battery from the receiving space.

[0020] More preferably, the battery compartment comprises at least three clips arranged to hold the cover in place over or in the second opening, whereby the three clips are arranged so that they must be released simultaneously to allow the cover to be opened from the second opening. This has the same advantages as the two clips described above, but this arrangement is more difficult for a small child to release.

[0021] The at least two clips may be integrally formed with the cover and the cover may be permanently fastened to the sleeve, thus avoiding any small separate parts which could otherwise be potentially dangerous to a small child.

[0022] The cover may initially be retained over or in the second opening by a tamper-evident seal that must be broken or removed before the cover can be opened from the second opening for the first time. The cover may be weakly bonded to the housing by adhesive, heat welding, or by being mechanically integrally formed with and weakly connected to the top, thereby providing a tamper-evident seal before the cover is opened for the first time. This provides the advantage that batteries within a manufacturer pre-filled battery compartment cannot be removed from the battery compartment without first breaking the tamper-evident seal.

[0023] The battery case preferably includes a tongue extending from a major face adjacent to the first opening, the tongue partially passing through the first opening to partially cover the first opening, thereby retaining the battery in the accommodation space, wherein the tongue can be deflected by pressure applied to the battery, forcing the battery in the accommodation space against the tongue, causing the tongue to shift, allowing the battery to extend from the first opening in the case at a certain angle to a position where the battery can be pulled out of the case, or where the battery is completely pushed out of the battery case through the first opening. The provision of the tongue, which can be integrally formed with the sleeve, will prevent the battery from accidentally shifting from the accommodation space, thereby confining the battery in the accommodation space until the user applies sufficient pressure on the battery to deflect the tongue sufficiently to allow the battery to partially pass through the first opening at a certain angle or pop out through the first opening.

[0024] Preferably, the tongue is sized and arranged to deflect in a manner that allows the battery to be moved from the receiving space to a position where the battery extends out of the first opening, and to a position where the battery can be simultaneously pulled out of the box by the user's other hand, which requires the user to apply pressure to the battery against the tongue while pulling the battery out of the box through the first opening. This allows the battery box to "hand" the battery to the user and then allow the user to pull the battery out of the box, which further ensures that the battery does not accidentally fall out when it is removed from the battery box. In addition, because this requires simultaneously pressing the battery against the tongue and pulling the battery out through the first opening, these are two additional tasks that are difficult for an infant or small child to accomplish simultaneously.

[0025] Preferably, the sleeve has a first main face in cross section, such that the two main faces and the two secondary faces define a closed tubular sleeve. However, alternatively, instead of a complete first main face, this may only include two edge portions (parts of the first main face) defining a central slit along the first main face to form a generally C-shaped but generally rectangular sleeve.

[0026] Where the cross-section of the sleeve has a first major face, such that the two major faces and the two minor faces define a closed tubular sleeve, the first major face is preferably concave with a central portion extending inwardly to clamp the battery within the sleeve between the first major face and the second major face. Alternatively, where the first major face has only two edge portions, these edge portions preferably extend inwardly to clamp the battery within the sleeve between the inwardly extending edges and the second major face. In either embodiment, where the sleeve is formed of a plastic material and is therefore resilient, this feature is particularly advantageous because the minimum width between the one face or edge and the opposing face can be slightly smaller than the dimension of the battery between the one face or edge and the opposing face, so that the presence of the battery slightly forces the one face or edge to separate from the opposing face, so that the one face or edge and the opposing face can then frictionally prevent the battery from passing along the entire length of the battery compartment.

[0027] Preferably, the battery case further comprises a first protrusion extending from one of the plurality of faces into the passage and positioned towards the first end of the sleeve, the first protrusion being generally aligned with or slightly outwardly directed from the end of the first major face or portion thereof, such that the first protrusion retains the battery in the passage towards the first end of the sleeve and is used to retain the battery in a position substantially obscured by the major face of the sleeve in the passage to prevent a person from being able to adequately grasp the battery so as to be able to remove the battery from the first end of the sleeve. The protrusion is sufficiently resilient or resiliently mounted to allow the battery to be pushed into the sleeve past the protrusion. The protrusion may also have a sawtooth profile to aid insertion of the battery but then provide a vertical stop to prevent the battery from being subsequently released from the first end of the sleeve.

[0028] Similar to the above, the battery case may include a second protrusion extending from one of the plurality of faces into the passage and positioned toward the second end of the sleeve, the second protrusion being substantially aligned with the first opening, or forming an edge of the first opening, such that the second protrusion is used to hold the battery in the passage toward the second end of the sleeve and to prevent the battery from entering the accommodation space, thereby holding the battery in a position in the sleeve where it cannot be moved by a finger or thumb pushed into the second opening. Therefore, it is necessary to first insert a spent battery into the first end of the sleeve before the battery can be removed. However, the protrusion should be sufficiently resilient or resiliently mounted to allow the battery to be pushed into the accommodation space along the sleeve by an adjacent battery. In order to provide resiliency to the protrusion, one or each protrusion may be formed at the end of a tongue that is integrally formed on one face of the sleeve.

[0029] Preferably, the battery box includes a partition shaped to fit within the channel and to be pushed along the channel between two adjacent batteries. The partition may preferably be dimensioned to frictionally engage with the sleeve. The partition enables a spent battery inserted into the first end of the sleeve to be separated from a new battery initially provided in the sleeve. This may be particularly advantageous where the sleeve is transparent and the partition is visible through the sleeve, as this enables an easy determination of how many new batteries remain in the sleeve.

[0030] Preferably, the separator, which may be colored and visible through the housing, is shaped to be blocked from passing through the first or second opening upon reaching the second end of the cartridge. In this way, once all new batteries have been dispensed, the separator will effectively seal the second end of the cartridge and the plurality of spent batteries can then be safely recycled intact.

[0031] The battery box can be formed by cutting from an extruded length of the sleeve, followed by application of processes or addition of components to form the barriers and other features. However, it is particularly advantageous if the sleeve is formed from two separate halves, or the sleeve is formed from two halves connected by a living hinge, whereby the battery box can be formed by injection molding. The two halves can then be connected together to form the sleeve by mutually cooperating mechanical engagement means formed on respective portions of the two halves, the mutually cooperating mechanical engagement means being arranged to lock the two halves together, possibly using "snap-fit" fasteners along one edge (living hinge embodiment) or both edges. Alternatively, the two halves can be connected by friction or mechanical welding together, by bonding together, or by any other suitable means known to those skilled in the art.

[0032] In one embodiment, the battery box can be arranged to hold at least one button battery of a specific size, wherein the width of the channel between the two secondary surfaces of the sleeve is approximately equal to the diameter of the button battery, and at the intersection of the primary surface and the secondary surface, the height of the channel between the two main surfaces is approximately equal to the depth of the button battery, and wherein the first opening is generally circular and the diameter of the first opening is approximately equal to the diameter of the button battery.

[0033] Alternatively, the battery case is arranged to hold at least one cylindrical battery of a specific size, wherein at the intersection of the two major surfaces of the sleeve with the corresponding minor surfaces of the sleeve, the height of the channel between the two major surfaces of the sleeve is approximately equal to the diameter of the cylindrical battery, and wherein the width of the channel between the two minor surfaces is approximately equal to the length of the cylindrical battery.

[0034] In the case where the battery box is arranged to hold cylindrical batteries, preferably, the partition is shaped to fit in the channel and is arranged to be located between two adjacent batteries and pass along the channel between the two adjacent batteries, wherein the partition has a concave surface on a first side, which is arranged to partially accommodate the corresponding curved side of an adjacent waste battery, and has a flat surface on a second side, which is arranged to be adjacent to an adjacent new battery, and the partition has an extension portion, which is arranged to be located next to the positive terminal (pip), which extends from an end of the new battery closest to the second end of the sleeve and separates the remaining end of the battery from the corresponding face of the sleeve.

[0035] The separator may also have a portion extending from the second side of the separator, the portion being arranged to limit the travel of the separator by engaging with the blocking member. The extended flat surface allows the battery to be pressed out of the receiving space without soiling the separator, while the portion extending from the second side of the separator prevents the separator from passing through the receiving space, thereby preventing the separator from being pressed out of the first opening, or partially pressed out of the first opening.

[0036] The battery box may be arranged to store two or more batteries within a channel to facilitate storage and dispensing of multiple batteries. However, the battery box may be arranged to store only a single battery, wherein the box is sized to provide a smaller potential risk of jamming than batteries stored within the battery box. A battery box for a single battery still requires the insertion of a spent battery to dispense a new battery, and therefore provides advantages associated with this. In addition, due to its potentially small size, a single battery box may be shaped to have a portion extending therefrom that is arranged to sufficiently enlarge the battery box so that it complies with small parts safety regulations for protecting young children.

[0037] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery box for receiving and storing waste batteries, the battery box comprising a sleeve defining a longitudinal internal channel having a longitudinal axis and having a substantially uniform rectangular cross-section along its length, wherein: the sleeve comprises a first main surface or a portion thereof opposite to the second main surface, and a first main surface opposite to the second main surface, the opposite surfaces being arranged to accommodate batteries of a size to be accommodated by the box in a single linear array in use and to prevent the batteries from overlapping each other in the sleeve; the sleeve having a first end arranged to receive waste batteries; the sleeve having a second closed end ; and wherein the battery case further comprises a first protrusion extending from one of the plurality of faces into the channel and positioned toward the first end of the sleeve, the first protrusion being generally aligned with or slightly outward from an end of the first major face or portion thereof, such that the first protrusion holds the battery in the channel toward the first end of the sleeve and is used to hold the battery in a position in the channel substantially obscured by the major face of the sleeve to prevent a person from being able to adequately grasp the battery so as to be able to remove the battery from the first end of the sleeve, the first protrusion being sufficiently resilient or mounted to be resilient enough to allow the battery to be pushed into the sleeve through the first protrusion.

[0038] According to the above second aspect of the invention, the battery box provides a safe container into which spent batteries can be inserted and which holds them for safe disposal in a manner that makes it difficult for infants and / or young children to remove the batteries. Thus, once spent batteries have been inserted into the box, the risk of children swallowing the batteries is eliminated, providing the advantages described above in relation to the first aspect of the invention. Furthermore, by holding the batteries in a single linear array, any risk of short circuits between adjacent batteries, which may even occur in the case of spent batteries, is also avoided, thereby eliminating the known risk of fire.

[0039] The protrusion may be in the form of a stop at the end of a resilient tongue extending from one face of the sleeve into the channel, or the protrusion may have a serrated profile to assist insertion of the battery but then provide a vertical stop to prevent subsequent release of the battery from the first end of the sleeve.

[0040] Preferably, at the first end of the sleeve, the first major face or a portion thereof terminates before the second major face such that the second major face defines an open platform portion on which the battery can be placed and / or aligned with the channel before being pushed into the channel.

[0041] A battery case according to the first or second aspect of the invention may be arranged to receive button cells of different sizes, all of which have a specific diameter but a thickness within a range of different thicknesses, wherein the dimensions of the internal channel are designed to accommodate all batteries within the range, including those having a maximum thickness within the thickness range, wherein a major surface of the sleeve has a plurality of spaced-apart tongues, each of which is elastically biased so that the spaced-apart tongues extend into the longitudinal internal channel for pressing any battery having a thickness less than the maximum thickness within the range against the opposite major surface of the sleeve defining the longitudinal internal channel.

[0042] An advantage of the above arrangement is that, in the case of a battery box for dispensing batteries, a single type of battery box can be used to securely store different types of batteries having the same diameter but different thicknesses, such as 2016, 2025 and 2032 size button cells, all of which have the same diameter but different thicknesses. This enables batteries of a first thickness to be packaged in a battery box of a particular size, while batteries of a second thickness or a third thickness can be packaged in the same box, thereby allowing a battery supplier, for example, to supply three types of batteries using a common type of battery box.

[0043] Preferably, adjacent ones of the plurality of spaced-apart tongues are spaced apart by a distance less than or equal to the width of the longitudinal internal passage, the width being defined by the opposing minor faces of the sleeve. This arrangement ensures that there is a spaced-apart tongue that is appropriately positioned to hold each battery on the opposing major faces. Advantageously, the plurality of spaced-apart tongues are spaced apart by a distance equal to the width of the longitudinal internal passage, the width being defined by the opposing minor faces of the sleeve, because the width of the passage is generally equal to the diameter of the battery received in the passage, and therefore the tongues can be positioned so that the plurality of tongues are each located at the center of a corresponding battery.

[0044] Each of the plurality of spaced apart tabs advantageously projects into the longitudinal channel in a direction extending toward the second end to allow a battery inserted from the first end to pass through each tab by pushing each respective tab toward or into the major face from which the tab projects.

[0045] Advantageously, each tongue applies pressure to any battery within a thickness range sufficient not only to retain the battery on the opposing major faces, but also sufficient to retain the battery in place in the longitudinal direction due to the friction created by the applied pressure.

[0046] According to the first aspect or the second aspect of the present invention, the battery box may have an internal space between the first pair of opposing faces and the second pair of opposing faces, and in use, the internal space holds the largest size of batteries to be accommodated by the box in a single linear array within the sleeve and prevents the batteries from overlapping each other within the sleeve. In this way, if the largest size of batteries to be accommodated by the box is inserted into the sleeve, the internal space between the first pair of opposing faces and the second pair of opposing faces can directly sandwich the batteries therebetween and hold the batteries in place in the linear array. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Several embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a button battery box according to the first aspect of the present invention, in which four button batteries are installed;

[0049] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A front view of a battery box;

[0050] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A top view of a battery box;

[0051] Figure 4 yes Figures 1 to 3 Rear view of the battery box;

[0052] Figure 5 yes Figures 1 to 4 A bottom view of a battery box;

[0053] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of ;

[0054] Figure 7 yes Figures 1 to 6 A perspective view of a battery case of FIG. 1 showing the partition and the battery in the case before the case is closed;

[0055] Figure 8 is corresponding to Figure 3 , but with a dead battery inserted;

[0056] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A bottom view of a battery box;

[0057] Fig.10 is corresponding to Fig. 9 Bottom view of the battery compartment, but with four dead batteries inserted into the compartment;

[0058] Fig.11is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a battery case according to the present invention, with six new cylindrical batteries inserted therein;

[0059] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 Rear view of the battery box;

[0060] Fig.13 yes Fig.11 and Fig.12 A side view of a battery box;

[0061] Fig.14 and Fig.15 Corresponding to Fig.11 and Fig.12 , but the waste battery is inserted into the battery box 1;

[0062] Fig.16 Corresponds to Fig.11 and Fig.14 , but five used batteries are inserted into the battery box 1;

[0063] Fig.17 Corresponds to Fig.11 , Fig.14 and Fig.16 , but six dead batteries were inserted into the battery compartment;

[0064] Fig.18 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a battery case according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein a double-clip cover for the second opening is shown in an open position;

[0065] Fig.19 Corresponds to Fig.18 , but showing the double clamp cover in a closed position;

[0066] Fig. 20 Corresponds to Fig.18 , but showing the three-clamp cover in the open position;

[0067] Fig.21 Corresponds to Fig. 20 , but the triple clamp cover is in the closed position;

[0068] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a battery case according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0069] Fig.23 yes Figure 1 A top view of a battery box;

[0070] Fig.24 yes Fig. 22 and Fig.23 A bottom view of a battery box;

[0071] Figure 25 to Figure 29yes Figure 22 to Figure 24 The longitudinal cross-sectional views of the battery box shown show various arrangements of the batteries in the battery box;

[0072] Fig.30 is a perspective view of a battery case according to a second aspect of the present invention;

[0073] Fig.31 yes Fig.30 A top view of a battery box;

[0074] Fig.32 yes Fig.30 and Fig.31 A bottom view of a battery box;

[0075] Fig.33 yes Figure 30 to Figure 32 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a battery box;

[0076] Fig.34 Corresponds to Fig.32 , but showing three batteries inserted into the battery compartment; and

[0077] Fig.35 Corresponds to Fig.33 , but showing the three batteries inserted into the battery compartment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] Now refer to Figures 1 to 10 , these figures disclose a first embodiment of a battery pack according to the first aspect of the invention, which is generally indicated by 1. In this embodiment, the battery pack 1 is used to store four button cells 2A to 2D, which in the illustrated embodiment are 2032 size button cells, and as shown in the figures, they have a relatively low profile. The dimensions of the battery pack 1 are particularly suitable for storing 2032 size button cells, and advantageously, the battery pack will form part of the sales packaging of the button cells 2A to 2D.

[0079] Although one embodiment of a coin cell battery box for storing a 2032 size battery will now be described, similar battery boxes can be sized to accommodate coin cell batteries of various sizes or sizes. In addition, although in the illustrated embodiment, the battery box stores four coin cell batteries 2A to 2D, it should be understood that the size of such a battery box can be arranged to store any number of coin cell batteries, including one battery.

[0080] exist Figures 1 to 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the battery case comprises a housing 3 made of a transparent injection-molded plastic, through which the button cells 2A to 2D and a partition 4 also housed in the housing 3 can be seen.

[0081] from Figures 1 to 10It can be seen that the housing 3 has a sleeve portion defining a longitudinal passage 5 in which the button cells 2A to 2D and the separator 4 are contained in the manner in which the battery is packaged and purchased.

[0082] from Figure 4 As can be most clearly seen in FIG. 1 , the channel 5 is defined by the inner surfaces of the bottom surface 6, the top surface 7, the left surface 8, and the right surface 9 of the housing 3. The top surface 7 is convex, and its center portion presses on the button cells 2A to 2D, firmly holding them on the bottom surface 6, and the elasticity of the plastic causes the center portion of the top surface 6 to contact the button cells 2A to 2D. Therefore, along the length of the sleeve portion of the housing 3, the cross-section of the channel 5 has a cross-section of Figure 4 The profile shown, in which the channel 5 is deeper towards the left 8 and right 9 than it is in the central part. Figure 4 As can be seen in the figure, the partition 4 has a similar cross-sectional profile, which is used to keep the partition 4 in a direction extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the channel 5. The partition 4 also has concave front and rear edges, which abut the corresponding button batteries in the battery box 1 and play a role in concentrating the batteries and the partition 4 in the channel 5.

[0083] At the rear of the battery box 1 (such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 to Figure 6 The top surface 7 is cut away so that the bottom surface 6 extends further than the top surface and forms a platform 10, which is marked with the symbol "IN" between the two arrows. The platform 10 is arranged to receive a battery, and when the battery is placed on the platform 10, by pushing from right to left, the battery can be correctly aligned to slide into the channel 5, as shown. Figure 3 As shown, this can be conveniently achieved by using the user's thumb. The battery will be guided by the guide 11 to the lower center portion of the top surface 7, which is Figure 6 As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 1 , the guide member 11 slopes upward from the central portion of the top surface 7 while the battery presses down the protrusion 14 .

[0084] from Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 1 , the bottom surface 6 forming the platform 10 has a U-shaped groove 12 formed therethrough which defines a first integral tongue 13. Figure 6 As can be seen in the figure, the tongue 13 ends in a protrusion 14, which is pushed into the channel 5 by the tongue 13. The protrusion forms a stop surface 15, which is arranged to engage with the battery or separator 4 to prevent the battery or separator 4 from leaving the channel 5. The protrusion 14 is resiliently biased by the tongue 13 to Figure 6 Thus, a battery placed on the platform portion 10 can be pushed into the channel 5, the battery engaging the chamfered front edge 16 of the projection 14, causing the projection to be deflected by the battery until the battery passes.

[0085] At the front end of the battery box 1, as Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The left side shown, from Figure 5 As can be clearly seen in FIG. 1 , the left side 8 and the right side 9 are bent inwardly to form a curved barrier portion 17, from Figure 6 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the blocking member portion 17 spans the longitudinal axis of the channel 5. Therefore, any battery, such as the button battery 2A, sliding along the channel 5 will hit the blocking member portion 17, thereby preventing the battery 2A from moving further to the left. Figure 6 This will be referred to below Figures 7 to 10 Give a description.

[0086] like Figure 5 As shown, the bottom surface 6 toward the front end of the channel 5 ends at a tongue 18 formed integrally with the bottom surface 6. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , when the battery 2A is moved to the accommodation space adjacent to the blocking member portion 17, the tongue 18 holds the battery 2A in the accommodation space, which will be referred to below. Figures 8 to 10 The battery 2A can then be pressed downward out of the accommodation space by inserting a finger or thumb into the hole 19 located in front of the top surface 7 of the housing 3. This causes the battery 2A to be moved so that the front end of the battery protrudes below the level of the bottom surface 6 of the box 1, thereby enabling the battery 2A to be simultaneously pulled out of the battery box by the finger and thumb of the user's other hand, while pressure continues to be exerted on the battery through the hole 19, otherwise the tongue 18 returns the battery 2A to the accommodation space which is no longer accessible. Alternatively, the box 1 can be arranged to allow the battery to be completely pushed out of the battery box 1 in one movement.

[0087] from Figure 1 It can also be seen that another tongue 20 is formed in the top surface 7. Figure 6 As can be seen in the figure, the tongue 20 has a protrusion 21 extending downward from the front edge. The protrusion 21 engages with the front edge of the battery 2A and serves to hold the battery 2A and the battery behind the battery 2A in the channel 5. However, the protrusion 21 has a chamfered edge facing the battery 2A, allowing the battery to be pushed over the protrusion 21 to overcome the elasticity of the tongue 20.

[0088] The above features, in particular the stopper portion 17 and the various protrusions and tongues, preclude the manufacture of the housing 3 by an extrusion process unless subsequent steps are performed to produce the above features. Figure 7As can be seen in the figure, the battery case in this embodiment is formed by an injection molded housing 3, which includes a top 3A and a bottom 3B connected together by a living hinge 22. A series of cooperating snap-fit ​​non-return clips 23, 24 are arranged on the right-hand edges of the top 3A and the bottom 3B respectively. Figure 7 As shown, once the batteries 2A to 2D and the partition 4 are inserted, the top 3A of the housing 3 is closed and fixed to the bottom 3B by the non-return clips 23, 24. Alternatively, the batteries 2A to 2D and the partition 4 may be inserted after closing the top 3A and the bottom 3B.

[0089] Now refer to Figures 8 to 10 , these figures show the Figures 1 to 6 Battery compartment 1. Battery compartment 1 will initially Figures 1 to 7 The position shown is equipped with four batteries 2A to 2D. When a new battery 2A needs to be taken out from the battery box 1, the waste battery 2E will be placed on the platform part 10, and the waste battery 2E will be pushed from the platform part 10 into the channel 5 to reach Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The battery 2A is then pushed into the position shown, passing the protrusion 21 on the tongue 20 and contacting the stopper portion 17. Here, the battery 2A will be held in the frontmost receiving space of the battery pack 1 by the tongue 18. From this position, the battery 2A can be pressed downward by a person inserting their thumb or finger through the hole 19, which Figure 1 This will cause the battery 2A to be displaced at an angle so that the front end of the battery then protrudes below the level of the bottom surface 6 of the case 1, so that the battery 2A can then be pulled out of the battery case by the fingers and thumb of the user's other hand. Alternatively, the case 1 can be arranged to allow the battery to be completely pushed out of the battery case 1 in one movement.

[0090] As each of the batteries 2A to 2D is dispensed from the battery compartment 1, the partition 4 will move toward the front of the battery compartment. The partition 4 may be a bright color, and the housing 3 is molded from a transparent or translucent plastic so that the partition and the batteries can be seen through the housing, thereby clearly showing the user how many new batteries are in front of the partition. When four used batteries 2E to 2H have been inserted into the battery compartment 1, the partition 4 will be in Fig.10 The position shown in FIG. 1 shows that the last new battery 2D to be distributed is located in the accommodation space. Therefore, the battery 2D can be pressed out of the battery box 1 for distribution in the aforementioned manner. Fig.10In the position shown, the battery box 1 with four batteries 2E to 2H installed therein can be disposed of as a whole for recycling. However, if an attempt is made to insert another waste battery (not shown) or other object, this will cause the partition 4 to be pushed to a position where the front edge of the partition 4 engages the inwardly curved left and right sides, so that the partition 4 will wedge into half of the receiving space, thereby blocking access to the passage 5 through the receiving space.

[0091] Once the spent batteries are inserted into the box, they cannot be removed but are kept safely away from being stacked on top of each other, which would create a potential fire hazard due to the higher overall voltage.

[0092] So far, the present invention has been described with reference to a battery pack for button cells. However, the present invention is equally applicable to battery packs for cylindrical cells, such as AAA cells or AA cells, and will now be described with reference to Figures 11 to 17 A second embodiment of a battery pack according to the present invention is described. In this example, Figures 11 to 17 A battery compartment 25 is shown which is sized to store AAA batteries.

[0093] First refer to Figures 11 to 13 , these figures show a battery case (which is generally indicated by 25) which includes a housing 26 which also includes a top 26A and a bottom 26B which are connected together by a living hinge 27 and a joint means, as in the previous embodiment, to form a longitudinal channel 28 in which a partition 29 and six new AAA batteries 30A to 30F are located. As in the previous embodiment, the channel 28 is defined by the inner surfaces of the bottom surface 31, the top surface 32, the left side 33 and the right side 34, the top surface 32 being concave and contacting the batteries 30A to 30F and the partition 29 under the elastic action of the plastic material to sandwich the batteries 30A to 30F and the partition 29 between the top surface 32 and the bottom surface 31 so as to frictionally engage them. As in the previous embodiment, the bottom surface 31 extends further than the top surface 32 to form a platform 35 on which the batteries can be placed before being pushed into the channel 28. At the opposite end of the passage 28, in front of the battery compartment 25, there is a stopper portion 36 which defines a battery receiving space which extends rearwardly to a projection (not shown) extending inwardly from the end of the tongue 37, as in the previous embodiment, and which will Fig.11 The battery 30A is held in place. The tongue 37 is resiliently biased inwardly into the channel to restrain the battery 30A and subsequently the batteries 30B to 30F. However, when inserting an additional waste battery, the battery 30A will be pushed through the tongue 37 into the receiving space in front of the tongue 37, where the battery 30A is restrained by the stopper portion 36.

[0094] As with the previous embodiments, a thumb or finger can be pushed through the hole 39 in the top surface 32 and the battery 30A can then be pressed over the tongue 38 which extends partially through a slot (not shown) which extends partially through the bottom surface 31 and is wide enough to allow the battery 30A to pass through the slot and out of the battery compartment 25.

[0095] Reference now Fig.14 , which shows a battery box 25 into which a first waste battery 40A has been inserted, resulting in battery 30A being removed from Fig.11 Move to the position shown Fig.14 Here, as shown in Fig.11 As shown, the battery 30A can then be pressed out of the battery box 25 through the tongue 38. The process can then be repeated, with the partition 29 gradually moving along the channel 28. Fig.16 position shown until the last new battery has been dispensed and the separator reaches Fig.17 Here, the extension 42 of the partition 29 contacts the stopper portion 36 of the housing 26, preventing the partition 29 from moving past Fig.17 The point shown thereby captures the diaphragm and effectively seals the second end of the passage 28.

[0096] from Figures 11 to 17 From the above description, it can be understood that the battery box of the second embodiment functions in the same manner as the battery box of the first embodiment and provides the same advantages.

[0097] Now refer to Figures 18 to 20 , a battery pack is shown here, generally indicated at 44, and the battery pack 44 is substantially the same as that previously referred to. Figures 1 to 10 However, in Figure 18 to Figure 19 In the illustrated embodiment, an additional cover 45 is provided which snaps into and covers an aperture 46 in a top 47 of a housing 48 of the battery compartment 44 .

[0098] The cover 45 includes two integrally formed clips 49 and 50, the distal ends 51 of the clips (at Fig.19 The cover 45 has a peripheral rim 52 which engages with a step 53 formed on the edge of the hole 46 so that the distal end of the clip 51 and the peripheral rim 52 of the cover sandwich the step 53 and hold the cover 45 in place. Fig.19 Position shown.

[0099] To release the cover 45, the two clips 49 and 50 must be pressed inwards simultaneously, thereby allowing the cover 45 to open to the Fig.18This then allows the user to press down any battery held in the receiving space against the tongue 54 extending through the second aperture 55 so as to expose the battery and allow the battery to then be removed from the case 44 .

[0100] exist Fig.18 In the open position shown, the lid 45 remains connected to the housing 48 by the living hinge 56, thereby preventing the lid 45 from being separated from the housing and preventing the lid 45 itself from becoming a small object that could be swallowed.

[0101] A baby or a child is difficult to reach the requirement of pressing two clips together simultaneously. Therefore, the arrangement of the lid 45 with two clips 49 and 50 further enhances the safety of the battery box 44, preventing the battery from being taken away by a child.

[0102] In addition to the features of cover 45, Fig.18 and Fig.19 In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , it can be seen that the tongue 54 is larger than Figures 1 to 10 The tongue 18 in the embodiment shown. Fig.18 As can be seen in the diagram, the tongue 54 now nearly fills up the second hole 55, thereby substantially obscuring any battery in the receiving space. Furthermore, with the larger tongue 54, once the cover 45 is removed, the battery must not only be pressed downward out of the receiving space, but it must also simultaneously slide forward out of the front edge of the tongue 54 before it is possible to grip the battery from below with the thumb and forefinger and remove it. This again makes it more difficult for an infant or small child to remove the battery from the receiving space.

[0103] Reference now Fig. 20 and Fig.21 , these figures show the Fig.18 and Fig.19 Another embodiment of a battery box is the same as the battery box of FIG. 57 , except that in this embodiment the cover 58 of the battery box 57 has three clips 59, 60 and 61 that must be pressed simultaneously to release the cover 58 from the first hole 62. This makes it more difficult for a child to open the cover 58. However, the clips of these two embodiments are provided only as examples, and alternatives may be provided for securing the cover 58 in or over the first hole 62.

[0104] In addition to the above, Figures 18 to 21 The covers 45 and 58 may initially be weakly bonded by adhesive, heat welding, or by mechanical integration with the top 47 to provide a tamper-evident seal before the covers 45, 58 are first released. This provides the advantage that batteries within the battery compartments pre-filled by the manufacturer cannot be removed or replaced from the battery compartments 44, 57 without first breaking the tamper-evident seal.

[0105] Now refer to Figure 22 to Figure 25 , another embodiment of a battery pack according to the first aspect of the present invention is shown here. Except for the points discussed below, this embodiment is similar to Figures 1 to 10 The embodiments shown are identical and function in the same manner.

[0106] Figure 22 to Figure 25 A battery compartment 63 is shown for accommodating four batteries, and Figures 1 to 10 The embodiment is the same, but the battery box can also be modified to accommodate other numbers of batteries.

[0107] exist Figure 22 to Figure 25 In the embodiment of the present invention, the tongue 64 extending through the lower hole 65 is Figures 18 to 20 As in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 10 The embodiments are expanded, and their functions and advantages are similar to those of the reference Figures 18 to 20 The tongue pieces described are identical.

[0108] from Fig.24 As can be seen in the figure, the tongue 64 is provided with reinforcing ribs 66, allowing the material used to form the tongue to be kept to a minimum. Similarly, reinforcing ribs 67 are arranged on the lower surface of the bottom 68 of the housing 69, except for the flat area 70, which is used to provide a label.

[0109] exist Figure 22 to Figure 25 In the embodiment shown, both the bottom 68 and top 71 of the housing 69 have peripheral flanges extending along the side opposite the living hinge 74 and around the front of the housing 69 , interrupted only by a snap-fit ​​engagement arrangement 75 .

[0110] During manufacturing, once the battery has been inserted into the housing 69, the housing is initially closed and held closed by snap-fit ​​engagement means 75. The flanges on the top and bottom of the housing 69 and the bottom of the housing are then welded together to form a peripheral flange 76 which, together with the living hinge 74, extends almost continuously around three sides of the housing 69 to prevent the housing from being pried open on these three sides.

[0111] exist Fig. 22 and Fig.25 An additional feature present in the embodiment of the present invention, not seen in the previous embodiment, is a plurality of evenly spaced tongues 77. Fig.25 As can be most clearly seen in the figure, each spaced-apart tongue 77 extends below the inner surface of the top 71 of the housing 69. Each spaced-apart tongue 77 extends from its proximal end 78 to a distal free end 81, where the tongue 77 is connected to the top 71, and each distal free end extends toward the end of the receiving space of the battery compartment 63.

[0112] Now refer to Figure 26 to Figure 27 As described, when a battery in the form of a button cell or a separator 82 for separating a new pre-loaded battery from an inserted waste battery passes along the passage defined by the top 71 and bottom 68 of the housing, the integrally formed spaced tongues 77 move vertically upward, as shown in FIG. Figure 26 to Figure 29 As shown, this allows batteries of different thicknesses to be accommodated while retaining them on opposing inner surfaces of the bottom 68 of the housing 69.

[0113] exist Fig.26 In the figure, the battery box 63 is shown preloaded with four 2016 model button cells 83, ready for dispensing. These batteries are held in a linear array by spaced tongues 77 so that the insertion of a spent battery will cause one button cell 83 to move to the receiving area above the tongue 64.

[0114] Fig. 27 Corresponds to Fig.26 , but a battery compartment 63 is shown with four pre-inserted 2025 size button cells 84 .

[0115] Fig.28 Also corresponds to Fig.26 , but four pre-inserted 2032 size button cells 85 are shown.

[0116] Fig.29 Corresponds to Fig.28 , but a depleted 2032 size button cell battery 86 is shown inserted, the partition 82 is pushed to the right as shown, and a new 2032 size button cell battery 85 is moved into the receiving space, ready to be pressed out of the battery compartment 63, past the tongue 64.

[0117] Although not shown, Figure 22 to Figure 29 In an embodiment, an additional tongue may be arranged on the enlarged lower tongue 64 to push any battery in the accommodation space upward against the lower surface of the top 71 of the housing, thereby preventing any battery in the accommodation space from rattling in the accommodation space, which might attract the attention of a small child.

[0118] The embodiments described above disclose a battery box that is primarily used to dispense new batteries, which first requires that the exhausted batteries be returned to the battery box so that new batteries can be dispensed, and this battery box helps to safely collect the spent batteries. However, there are many button batteries that have been scattered in the environment, and button batteries are sold in other places besides being sold in the above-mentioned battery box. Therefore, there is a need for a battery box that can receive spent batteries without dispensing new batteries. If the battery box is supplied empty without pre-inserting new batteries, the battery box described above will provide such a function. However, reference will now be made to Figure 30 to Figure 35A battery box for receiving spent batteries according to a second aspect of the present invention is described.

[0119] Reference Fig.30 , the battery box 86 has the same Figure 22 to Figure 28 The described embodiments are very similar in structure except that Figure 30 to Figure 35 In the embodiment of the battery compartment 86, the battery compartment is arranged to receive only three batteries in the form of button cells and has a closed second end 87 opposite a first end 88 arranged to receive a dead battery. The battery compartment 86 again has a tongue 89 with an upstanding protrusion 90 at the first "receiving" end. The tongue 89 is biased to push the upstanding protrusion 90 into the channel defined by the housing 91 to prevent any inserted battery from being withdrawn from the first end, as in the previous embodiment. Similarly, the top 92 of the housing has three spaced-apart tongues 93, such as Fig.33 As shown, tongue 93 extends downwardly into the channel.

[0120] Reference now Fig.34 , three batteries 94 to 96 are shown inserted into the battery compartment 86. Fig.35 As shown, these batteries have three different thicknesses, including a 2016 model battery 94, a 2025 model battery 95, and a 2032 model battery 96. The spaced-apart tabs 93 hold the three batteries in a linear array, wherein the three batteries are adjacent to each other, so that the three batteries are held in the battery box as a single layer, avoiding any potential shorting of the batteries, and holding the batteries 94 to 96 within the battery box 86, awaiting disposal or recycling.

[0121] Several embodiments of the invention have been described above by way of example only, but it will be appreciated that features from different embodiments may be combined and that other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art which may fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In particular, aspects of the invention may be applied to battery boxes for batteries of many different shapes and sizes, such as rectangular 9 volt batteries. The battery box may also be bent about an axis parallel to the axis of the battery within the box, so that the battery box may be, for example, horseshoe-shaped.

Claims

1. A battery case comprising a sleeve defining a longitudinal internal passage having a longitudinal axis and having a substantially uniform rectangular cross-section along its length, wherein: The sleeve comprises a first major face or a portion thereof opposite the second major face, and a first major face opposite the second major face, each pair of opposing faces being arranged to accommodate batteries of a size to be accommodated by the battery box in a single linear array in use and to prevent the batteries from overlapping each other in the sleeve; The sleeve has a first end, the first end being open to receive a battery; The sleeve has a second end opposite to the first end, the second end of the sleeve having a stopper or a partial stopper across the second end of the sleeve to prevent the battery from being pushed out of the battery compartment in the direction of the longitudinal axis; The blocking member or the partial blocking member is arranged together with at least two opposite faces of the sleeve to hold the battery in the receiving space of the sleeve at the second end of the sleeve; The second end of the sleeve has a first opening, the size of which is designed to allow the battery in the accommodating space to be pushed through the first opening, and a second opening opposite to the first opening or an area opposite to the first opening is arranged to allow a user to apply pressure to the battery to push the battery out of the accommodating space, so that the battery extends from the first opening in the battery box to a position where the battery can be pulled out of the battery box, or where the battery is completely pushed out of the battery box through the first opening.

2. The battery case according to claim 1, wherein: At the first end of the sleeve, the first major surface or a portion thereof terminates before the second major surface, so that the second major surface defines an open platform portion, and the battery can be placed on the platform portion and / or aligned with the channel before the battery is pushed into the channel.

3. The battery case according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At the second end of the sleeve, two opposing faces of the sleeve extend inwardly to form the stopper or partial stopper.

4. The battery case according to claim 3, wherein: The opposing secondary surfaces extend inwardly and engage to form a stopper in the form of a closed loop at the end of the sleeve.

5. The battery case according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The opposing secondary surface extends inward at the second end to define the first opening and a second opening, the second opening being opposite to the first opening and being arranged to allow a user to apply pressure to the battery in the accommodating space so as to push the battery out of the accommodating space, so that the battery extends from the first opening in the battery box to a position where the battery can be pulled out of the battery box, or where the battery is completely pushed out of the battery box through the first opening.

6. The battery case according to claim 4, wherein: The second opening is sized to prevent a battery having a size that is intended to be received by the battery compartment from passing through the second opening.

7. The battery box according to claim 5 or 6 further includes a cover, which is arranged to remain above or in the second opening to prevent the user from applying pressure to the battery in the accommodating space, thereby preventing the user from pushing the battery out of the accommodating space.

8. The battery box according to claim 7 further includes at least two clips for holding the cover in an appropriate position above or in the second opening, wherein the two clips are arranged so that the two clips must be released simultaneously to allow the cover to be opened from the second opening.

9. A battery box according to claim 8, comprising three clips for holding the cover in an appropriate position above or in the second opening, wherein the three clips are arranged so that the three clips must be released simultaneously to allow the cover to be opened from the second opening.

10. The battery case according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein: The at least two clips are integrally formed with the cover.

11. The battery case according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein: The cover is permanently fastened to the sleeve.

12. The battery case according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein: The lid is initially retained over or in the second opening by a tamper-evident seal which must be broken or removed before the lid can be opened from the second opening for the first time.

13. A battery box according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a tongue extending from a main surface adjacent to the first opening, wherein the tongue partially passes through the first opening to partially cover the first opening, thereby holding the battery in the accommodating space, wherein the tongue can be deflected by applying pressure to the battery, forcing the battery in the accommodating space to abut against the tongue, thereby causing the tongue to shift, allowing the battery to extend from the first opening in the battery box to a position at which the battery can be pulled out of the battery box, or at which the battery is completely pushed out of the battery box through the first opening.

14. The battery case according to claim 13, wherein: The tongue is sized and arranged in a manner that enables it to deflect to allow the battery to move from the accommodating space to a position where the battery extends out of the first opening and to a position where a user can pull the battery out of the battery box. While pulling the battery out of the battery box through the first opening, the user needs to apply pressure to the battery against the tongue.

15. A battery pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sleeve has a concave face in cross-section and thus has an inwardly extending central portion, the central portion being arranged to clamp a battery of the largest size that the sleeve can accommodate within the sleeve between the one face and the opposite face and frictionally prevent the battery from passing along the passage.

16. A battery box according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a first protrusion, the first protrusion extending from one of the multiple faces into the channel and positioned toward the first end of the sleeve, the first protrusion being roughly aligned with or slightly outward from the end of the first major face or portion thereof, so that the first protrusion holds the battery in the channel toward the first end of the sleeve and is used to hold the battery in a position in the channel that is substantially obscured by the major face of the sleeve to prevent people from being able to fully grasp the battery so as to be able to remove the battery from the first end of the sleeve, the first protrusion having sufficient elasticity or being installed to be sufficiently elastic to allow the battery to be pushed into the sleeve through the first protrusion.

17. A battery box according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a second protrusion, the second protrusion extending from one of the multiple faces into the channel and positioned toward the second end of the sleeve, the second protrusion being roughly aligned with the first opening or forming an edge of the first opening, so that the second protrusion holds the battery in the channel toward the second end of the sleeve and is used to prevent the battery from entering the accommodating space, thereby holding the battery in the sleeve so that the battery is in a position that cannot be moved by a finger or thumb pushed into the second opening, and the second protrusion has sufficient elasticity or is elastically mounted to allow the battery to be pushed into the accommodating space along the sleeve by an adjacent battery.

18. The battery case according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The first protrusion or the second protrusion is formed on an end of a tongue formed on one surface of the sleeve.

19. A battery pack according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a partition shaped to fit within the channel and pass along the channel between two adjacent batteries.

20. The battery case according to claim 19, wherein: The diaphragm is shaped and / or sized to prevent the diaphragm from passing through the first opening or the second opening when the diaphragm reaches the second end of the sleeve.

21. A battery pack according to any preceding claim, arranged to hold at least one button cell battery of a particular size, wherein: The width of the channel between the two secondary surfaces of the sleeve is approximately equal to the diameter of the button battery, and at the intersection of the main surface and the secondary surface, the height of the channel between the two main surfaces is approximately equal to the depth of the button battery, and wherein the first opening is roughly circular, and the diameter of the first opening is approximately equal to the diameter of the button battery.

22. A battery box according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the battery box is arranged to hold at least one cylindrical battery of a specific size, wherein at the intersection of the main surface of the sleeve and the secondary surface of the sleeve, the height of the channel between the two main surfaces of the sleeve is approximately equal to the diameter of the cylindrical battery, and wherein the width of the channel between the two secondary surfaces is approximately equal to the length of the cylindrical battery.

23. A battery box according to claim 22, comprising a partition, the shape of which is suitable for being installed in the channel and is arranged to be located between two adjacent batteries and pass along the channel between the two adjacent batteries, wherein the partition has a concave surface on a first side, arranged to partially accommodate the corresponding curved sides of the adjacent batteries, and has a flat surface on a second side, arranged to be adjacent to the adjacent batteries, and the partition has an extension portion, which is arranged to be located next to the positive terminal (pip), and the positive terminal (pip) extends from one end of the battery closest to the second end of the sleeve and separates the remaining end of the battery from the corresponding surface of the sleeve.

24. The battery pack of claim 23, having a portion extending from the second side of the partition and arranged to limit movement of the partition by engaging the blocking member.

25. A battery box for receiving and storing spent batteries, the battery box comprising a sleeve defining a longitudinal internal passage, the longitudinal internal passage having a longitudinal axis and having a generally uniform rectangular cross-section along its length, wherein: The sleeve comprises a first major face or a portion thereof opposite the second major face, and a first major face opposite the second major face, the opposed faces being arranged to accommodate batteries of a size to be accommodated by the battery case in a single linear array within the sleeve in use and to prevent the batteries from overlapping each other within the sleeve; The sleeve has a first end arranged to receive a spent battery; The sleeve has a second closed end; and The battery box also includes a first protrusion, which extends from one of the multiple faces into the channel and is positioned toward the first end of the sleeve. The first protrusion is roughly aligned with or slightly outward from the end of the first main face or a portion thereof, so that the first protrusion holds the battery in the channel toward the first end of the sleeve and is used to hold the battery in a position in the channel that is basically blocked by the main face of the sleeve to prevent people from being able to fully grasp the battery so as to be able to remove the battery from the first end of the sleeve. The first protrusion has sufficient elasticity or is installed to be sufficiently elastic to allow the battery to be pushed into the sleeve through the first protrusion.

26. The battery pack according to claim 25, wherein: At the first end of the sleeve, the first major surface or a portion thereof terminates before the second major surface, so that the second major surface defines an open platform portion, and the battery can be placed on the platform portion and / or aligned with the channel before the battery is pushed into the channel.

27. A battery box according to any one of claims 1 to 21 or 25 to 26, wherein the battery box is arranged to accommodate button cells of different models, the button cells having a specific diameter but a thickness within a different thickness range, wherein the size of the internal channel is designed to accommodate all batteries within the range, including batteries having the maximum thickness within the thickness range, wherein a major surface of the sleeve has a plurality of spaced-apart tongues, each tongue being elastically biased so that each spaced-apart tongue extends into the longitudinal internal channel and is used to press any battery with a thickness within the thickness range against the opposite major surface of the sleeve defining the longitudinal internal channel.

28. The battery pack according to claim 27, wherein: Adjacent ones of the plurality of spaced-apart tongues are spaced apart by a distance less than or equal to a width of the longitudinal interior passage, the width being defined by opposing minor faces of the sleeve.

29. The battery case according to claim 27 or 28, wherein: Each of the plurality of spaced-apart tongues extends into the longitudinal channel in a direction extending toward the second end, and the battery is pushed toward or into the main surface from which the tongue extends, allowing the battery inserted from the first end to pass through each of the plurality of spaced-apart tongues.

30. A battery pack according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein: Each spaced tongue applies pressure to any battery having a thickness within the thickness range, and due to the friction generated by the applied pressure, the tongues are used not only to hold the battery on the opposite major surfaces, but also to hold the battery in an appropriate position in the longitudinal direction.

31. A battery pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In use, the internal space formed between the first pair of opposing faces and the second pair of opposing faces maintains the size or maximum size of the battery, and the battery box is used to accommodate the batteries in the sleeve in a single linear array and prevent the batteries from overlapping each other in the sleeve.

32. A battery pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sleeve is formed by two separate halves or two halves connected by a living hinge, wherein the two halves are connected together to form the sleeve by mechanical joints formed on the two halves, the mechanical joints being used to lock the two halves together, or the two halves are welded or glued together.

33. A battery pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The channel is arranged to store two or more batteries within the channel.

34. A battery pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The battery compartment has a portion extending therefrom arranged to provide at least one air passageway alongside the battery compartment when the battery compartment is ingested.

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