WO2013187780A1

WO2013187780A1 - Packaging, especially for a button type battery, pharmaceutical or other hazardous items

Info

Publication number: WO2013187780A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2013/000102
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ruth Margaret SUMNER; Jeongbin Ok
Original assignee: Victoria Link Limited
Priority date: 2012-06-12
Filing date: 2013-06-12
Publication date: 2013-12-19

Abstract

Packaging (100) having first (101) and second parts (103) assemblable to form a cavity 105 between the first and second parts for receiving an item 1. The packaging has a detent (111, 113) for positively locating the first part and the second part together when the packaging is assembled. The packaging has a shearable line of weakness (107) that is for partly separating the first part from the second part. The item is removable from the packaging by first shearing the packaging along the line of weakness, applying a detent releasing force in a first direction to release the detent, and applying a transverse moving force to move the first part relative to the second part allowing access to the cavity and the item contained therein.

Description

Packaging, especially for a button type battery, pharmaceutical or other hazardous items

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to packaging.

BACKGROUND

A button (coin cell) battery, either new or used, may possess a fatal risk and, especially if swallowed, the incident may result in severe injuries or death. Prevalence of button batteries has increased the exposure of children to the risk and reported cases of ingestion are growing in many industrialised countries. However, most battery packaging is constructed without consideration of child protection and they do not provide appropriate preventive measures except written warnings. Accordingly, battery packaging may be opened by a child and they may be tempted to swallow the battery.

In addition to new batteries being dangerous if swallowed, a used 3-V rated button battery, such as a CR2032, is still actively discharging around 2.5 volts. The voltage is high enough to cause serious or fatal injuries on body, if ingested. Inadvertently abandoned batteries are a significant source of the growing incidents.

In addition, conventional multi-pack battery packaging does not have physical partitions in-between or individual blisters. Consequently, multi-pack battery packaging may expose potential victims to higher risk of ingestion, for example, opening a package of three batteries to pull out just one of them immediately makes the remaining batteries loose.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents or such sources of information is not to be construed as an admission that such documents or such sources of

information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

It is an object of at least preferred embodiments of the present invention is to provide packaging that is difficult for a child to open, and/or to at least provide the public with a useful alternative. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided packaging for an item, the packaging comprising :

a first part;

a second part assemblable with the first part to form a cavity between the first and second parts for receiving the item;

a detent for positively locating the first part and the second part together when the packaging is assembled;

a line of weakness that is shearable for partly separating the first part from the second part;

the packaging being arranged such that the item is removable from the packaging by first shearing the packaging along the line of weakness, then applying a detent releasing force in a first direction to release the detent, and applying a moving force to move the first part relative to the second part allowing access to the cavity and the item contained therein, the moving force being applied in a direction that is substantially transverse to a direction of the detent releasing force.

In one embodiment, the moving force is applied after the detent releasing force is applied.

In one embodiment, the moving force and detent releasing force are applied simultaneously.

In one embodiment, the item is removable without the use of tools. The detent releasing force is preferably applied manually. The moving releasing force is also preferably applied manually.

In one embodiment, the first part comprises the line of weakness and the first part is separated into portions by tearing the first part along the line of weakness.

Alternatively, the first part is separated into portions by cutting along the perforation with scissors or a knife.

In one embodiment, the line of weakness comprises a line of perforations.

In one embodiment, the first part is integrally formed with the second part. In one embodiment, the detent releasing force is applied to a top surface of the packaging and the moving force is applied to rotate the first part relative to the second part. In an alternative embodiment, the detent releasing force is applied to a bottom surface of the packaging and the moving force is applied to rotate the first part relative to the second part.

In another alternative embodiment, the detent releasing force is applied to a top surface of the packaging and the moving force is applied to slide the first part relative to the second part in a generally linear direction. In another alternative embodiment, the detent releasing force is applied to a bottom surface of the packaging and the moving force is applied to slide the first part relative to the second part in a generally linear direction.

In a further alternative embodiment, the detent releasing force is applied to one or both of the side surfaces of the packaging and the moving force is applied to slide the first part relative to the second part in a generally linear direction.

In one embodiment, the packaging may be reusable. For example, the packaging may be re-used to contain a used battery.

In one embodiment, the packaging is formed from a single material with the first part and second part being formed from that single material. The single material may be a polymeric material, such as such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PC

(polycarbonate), PP (polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a metallic material, such as steel or Aluminium alloy, or paper/cardboard. Preferably, the first and second parts of the packaging are manufactured from sheets of material formed into the required shape. The sheet may be pressed, or moulded into the required shape. The sheet is suitably thin, with a thickness not exceeding 2 mm. Alternatively, the packaging may comprise more than one material. For example, the first part may be a suitable polymeric material and the second part may be a paper or cardboard. However, a single material is preferred for ease of recycling.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided the combination of packaging as described in relation to the first aspect together with an item. In one embodiment, the item is a battery. Alternatively, the item may be other potentially hazardous items if ingested such as pharmaceuticals, household chemicals, cosmetics, or matches, for example. In one embodiment, the packaging is arranged to contain a single item. Alternatively, the packaging may be arranged to contain a plurality of items.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided packaging for an item, the packaging comprising :

a first part;

a second part;

a third part movable relative to the first part and the second part,

the first part, second part and third part being assemblage together to form a cavity for receiving the item;

a detent for positively locating the second part and the third part together when the packaging is assembled;

the packaging being arranged such that the item is removable from the packaging by first shearing the packaging along the line of weakness, then applying a detent releasing force in a first direction to release the detent, and applying a moving force to move the second part relative to the third part allowing access to the cavity and the item contained therein, the moving force being applied in a direction that is substantially transverse to a direction of the detent releasing force. In one embodiment, the moving force is applied after the detent releasing force is applied.

In one embodiment, the moving force and detent releasing force are applied

simultaneously.

In one embodiment, the first part comprises the line of weakness and the first part is separated into portions by tearing the first part along the line of weakness. Alternatively, the first part is separated into portions by cutting along the perforation with scissors or a knife.

In one embodiment, the line of weakness comprises a line of perforations. In one embodiment, the first part is integrally formed with the second part.

In one embodiment, the detent releasing force is applied to a top surface of the packaging and the moving force is applied to rotate the third part relative to the second part. In an alternative embodiment, the detent releasing force is applied to a bottom surface of the packaging and the moving force is applied to rotate the third part relative to the second part.

In another alternative embodiment, the detent releasing force is applied to a top surface of the packaging and the moving force is applied to slide the third part relative to the second part in a generally linear direction. In another alternative embodiment, the detent releasing force is applied to a bottom surface of the packaging and the moving force is applied to slide the third part relative to the second part in a generally linear direction.

In a further alternative embodiment, the detent releasing force is applied to one or both of the side surfaces of the packaging and the moving force is applied to slide the third part relative to the second part in a generally linear direction. In one embodiment, the packaging may be reusable. For example, the packaging may be re-used to contain a used battery.

In one embodiment, the packaging is formed from a single material with the first part, second part and third being formed from that single material. The single material may be a polymeric material, such as such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PC

(polycarbonate), PP (polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a metallic material, such as steel or Aluminium alloy, or paper/cardboard. Preferably, the first, second and third parts of the packaging are manufactured from sheets of material formed into the required shape. The sheet may be pressed, or moulded into the required shape. The sheet is suitably thin, with a thickness not exceeding 2 mm. Alternatively, the packaging may comprise more than one material. For example, the first part may be a suitable polymeric material and the second part or third part may be a paper or cardboard. However, a single material is preferred for ease of recycling. In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided the combination of packaging as described in relation to the third aspect together with an item.

In one embodiment, the item is a battery. Alternatively, the item may be other potentially hazardous items if ingested such as pharmaceuticals, household chemicals, cosmetics, or matches, for example.

In one embodiment, the packaging is arranged to contain a single item. Alternatively, the packaging may be arranged to contain a plurality of items. The term 'comprising' as used in this specification and claims means 'consisting at least in part of". When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include the term 'comprising', other features besides the features prefaced by this term in each statement can also be present. Related terms such as 'comprise' and 'comprised' are to be interpreted in a similar manner. It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7) and, therefore, all sub-ranges of all ranges expressly disclosed herein are hereby expressly disclosed. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting. Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. As used herein the term "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular form of that noun.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or where the context allows both.

The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only,

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a top perspective view from one end of a first preferred embodiment of the packaging before being assembled with an item;

Figure 2 is a top perspective view from the other end of the packaging of Figure i ;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1, including detailed views of the shaped apertures and tabs; Figure 4 is a top plan view of the packaging of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the packaging of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a first step of a battery being packaged with the packaging of Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the battery and packaging assembled together ;

Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the packing of Figure 1 containing a battery, ready for display;

Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the packing of Figure 1 containing a battery, with the first part being separated along the perforations; Figure 10 shows the first part being removed from the send part by a consumer applying a detent releasing force and a moving force;

Figure 11 shows the first part separated from the second part and the battery removed; Figure 12 shows the packaging being assembled with a used battery, after a new battery has been removed;

Figure 13 shows the packaging of Figure 12 containing a battery;

Figure 14 shows the packaging of Figure 12 with a section of the second part being folded over the remainder of the second part;

Figure 15 shows the section of the second part folded over the remainder of the second part and the cavity to enclose the cavity and the used battery;

Figure 16 is a top perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the packaging containing a battery; Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the packing of Figure 16, with the first part being separated along the perforations;

Figure 18 is a cross-section of the packaging and battery of Figure 16;

Figure 19 is cross-section similar to Figure 18, showing the detent being released;

Figure 20 is a perspective cross-section view of the packaging of Figure 16; Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view of the packaging of Figure 16;

Figure 22 shows the steps for removing a battery from the second preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of the packaging containing a battery; Figure 24 shows the steps for removing a battery from the third preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 25 is an exploded perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the packaging containing a battery;

Figure 26 shows the steps for removing a battery from the fourth preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 27 is a perspective schematic view of a fifth preferred embodiment of the packaging; Figure 28 is a perspective schematic view of the packaging of Figure 27 after the perforations have been torn and the exterior portion of the packaging has been removed;

Figure 29 is a schematic partial perspective view of the second part of the packaging of Figure 27;

Figure 30 is a schematic partial perspective view of the first part of the packaging of Figure 27;

Figure 31 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the packaging of Figure 27; and

Figure 32 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative version of the fifth embodiment having multiple cavities for multiple items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

First embodiment

With reference to Figures 1 to 15, a first preferred embodiment of the packaging 100 for an item is shown. The packaging comprises a first part 101 and a second part 103. The first part and second part are sheet material formed to the shapes shown in Figure 1.

The packaging further comprises a cavity 105 for receiving the item. In the embodiment shown, the item is a battery 1. Alternatively, the item may be another potentially hazardous item or items such as pharmaceuticals, household chemicals, cosmetics, or matches, for example. When assembled, the battery 1 is held in the cavity 105 and is enclosed by the first part 101 and the second part 103.

The packaging has a line of weakness in the form of perforations 107. In the first embodiment, the packaging has two lines of perforations 107, one line of perforations on the first part 101 and one line of perforations on the second part 103. When the packaging is assembled, the two lines of perforations 107 are substantially aligned, as shown in Figure 7.

The packaging 100 further comprises a detent mechanism between the first part and second part for positively locating the first part and the second part together when the packaging is assembled. In the first embodiment, the detent comprises tabs 111 formed on an annular boss 112 on the first part 101. The second part 103 has slots 113 for receiving the tabs 111. The slots have openings 115 with angled surfaces 115a and engagement surfaces 115b for the tabs 111. The surfaces are angled such that the width of the opening narrows towards the slot 113. The tabs 111 have complementary angled surfaces 111a and an engagement surface 111b. The widest part of the tab is wider than the narrowest part of the opening so that when the packaging is assembled, the tabs are substantially inhibited from being released from the slots without a detent releasing force being applied to the packaging. The slots also have stubs 117 that substantially inhibit the tabs 111 of the first part 101 from being released from the slots 113 of the second part 103 without the detent releasing force being applied to the packaging.

A method of assembling the packaging 100 with the battery will now be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. The battery 1 is placed in the cavity 105, then the first part

101 is folded towards the second part in the direction of the arrow marked A of Figure 6.

Alternatively the battery 1 is placed in the annular boss 112 first, then the second part

103 is folded towards the first part 101. When the second part is folded over the first part, the tabs 111 of the first part will be inserted into the slots 113 of the second part so that the each of the tabs are pushed through the openings 115 and are then seated in the slot. When assembled, the engagement surfaces 111b of the tabs engage the engagement surfaces of the slots 115b.

To remove the battery 1 from the packaging 100, the first part 101 is separated along the perforations 107 into portions 101a and 101b. The first part is preferably separated by a consumer tearing the packaging along the perforations. Alternatively, the first part is separated into portions by cutting along the perforation with scissors or a knife. In the embodiment shown, the consumer will also tear the perforations 107 of the second part. Then, a consumer applies a detent releasing force in a first direction to release the detent while simultaneously or consecutively applying a moving force to move the first part 101 relative to the second part 103 allowing access to the cavity 105 and the battery 1 contained therein. The moving force is applied in a direction that is substantially transverse to a direction of the detent releasing force. With reference to Figure 10, in the first embodiment, the detent releasing force is applied to a top surface of the packaging in direction indicted by arrow B and the moving force is applied to rotate the first part relative to the second part in the counter clockwise direction indicated by arrow C. In the first embodiment shown, the item is removable without the use of tools and the detent releasing force is applied manually. The moving releasing force is also applied manually. The combined actions with both hands and use of a considerable amount of force may effectively discourage children to try opening the packaging and gaining access to the battery. When the detent releasing force is applied, the tabs 111 of the first are is pushed further into the slots 113 so that the engagement surfaces 111b of the tabs are no longer engaged with the engagement surfaces of the slots 115b and are also lower than the stubs 117. Then, either while the detent releasing force is being applied or after the detent releasing force is applied, the moving force is applied to rotate the first part relative to the second part. The first part is rotated until the tabs reach the exit opening 119 of the slots 113 and the first part can be removed from the second part. The packaging can then be used to package a used battery for disposal or kept by the consumer until the first battery is used and needs to be disposed of.

With reference to Figures 12 to 15, a method of assembling the packaging with a used battery will now be described. A used battery 1' is inserted in the cavity 105. A section 121 of the second part is folded over the remainder 122 of the second part and the cavity 105 to enclose the cavity and the used battery 1'. The section 121 has bosses 123 that are receivable in shaped apertures 125 in the remainder 122 of the second part. The apertures are shaped with extensions 127 that engage slots 129 of the bosses to secure the second part and the remainder of the second part together in the folded configuration shown in Figure 24. Almost zero insertion force is required to secure the bosses in the apertures, which may minimise the chance of used batteries being improperly discarded or left unattended, and consequently contributing reducing the chances of the battery being ingested.

The preferred embodiment provides a method of discarding used batteries, which may significantly decrease the number of used batteries that are accidentally ingested. The preferred embodiments described herein provide a convenient method for disposal of a used battery. A consumer can put a used battery in the cavity and secure the battery in the packaging so that the used battery can be discarded in a safe and reliable way, minimising the chance of exposure of the battery to potential victims.

Second embodiment

With reference to Figures 16 to 22 a second preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The second embodiment 200 has features and functions similar to the first embodiment described above, except as described below. The packaging 200 comprises a first part 201, a second part 203, and a third part in the form of a disc 204. When assembled, the first part 201, second part 203 and disc 204 form a cavity 205 for receiving the battery 2. The packaging has a line of weakness in the form of perforations 207. In the second embodiment, the packaging has one line of perforations 207 on the first part 201 and the second part 203 does not have a line of perforations. However, it will be appreciated that the second part may have a line of perforations in an alternative embodiment. The packaging 200 further comprises a detent between the second part 203 and the disc 204 for positively locating the second part and the disc 204 together when the packaging is assembled. In the second embodiment, the detent comprises a dome-shaped boss 209 on the second part, which is received by a complementary circular aperture 210 on the disc 204. The boss 209 is formed on a tongue 211 of the second part 203. The tongue 211 includes a semi-circular projection 223 extending from the tongue towards the first part 201, when assembled. The projection 223 provides a surface 223a for a user to press the tongue 211 and the projection 209 away from the disc 204 and release the detent. The disc 204 has a semicircular wall 225 partly surrounding the cavity 205. The wall 225 has an opening 227, which is sized so that a battery 2 can be slid out through the opening. The wall 225 has a textured surface 229 to assist a user to rotate the disc 204 relative to the second part 203. To remove the battery 2 from the packaging 200, the first part 201 is separated along the perforations 207 into portions 201a and 201b. The first part is preferably separated by a consumer tearing the packaging along the perforations. With reference to Figure 22, in the second embodiment, the detent releasing force is applied to a top surface of the packaging in direction indicted by arrow B and the moving force is applied either simultaneously or consecutively to rotate the disc 204 relative to the second part 203 in the direction indicated by arrow C. The direction may be clockwise or counter clockwise. The disc is rotated until the opening in the wall is generally aligned with the opening between the first and second parts and the battery is accessible. The packaging also can store a used battery, by placing a used battery in the circular battery disc and moving the disc back to the original position. The detent will then secure the disc and the used battery can be disposed of properly. Third embodiment

With reference to Figures 23 and 24 a third preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The third embodiment 300 has features and functions similar to the first and second embodiments described above, except as described below. The third

embodiment of the packaging 300 comprises a first part 301, a second part 303, and a third part in the form of a disc 304. When assembled, the first part 301, second part

303 and disc 304 form a cavity 305 for receiving the battery 3. The packaging has a line of weakness in the form of perforations 307. In the third embodiment, the packaging has one line of perforations 307 on the first part 301 and the second part 303 does not have a line of perforations. However, it will be appreciated that the second part may have a line of perforations in an alternative embodiment. The packaging 300 further comprises a detent between the second part 303 and the disc

304 for positively locating the second part and the disc 304 together when the packaging is assembled. The detent is the same as the detent of the second embodiment. The detent comprises a dome-shaped boss 309 on the second part, which is received by a complementary circular aperture 310 on the disc 304. The boss 309 is formed on a tongue 311 of the second part 303. The tongue 311 includes a semi-circular projection 323 extending from the tongue towards the first part 301, when assembled. The projection 323 provides a surface 323a for a user to press the tongue 311 and the projection 309 away from the disc 304 and release the detent. A difference between the second and third embodiments is that the third embodiment requires a moving force in a linear direction rather than rotating force of the second embodiment.

With reference to Figure 24 a, to remove the battery 3 from the packaging 300, the first part 301 is separated along the perforations 307 and the circular portion 301a is removed. The first part 301 is preferably separated by a consumer tearing the packaging along the perforations 307. With reference to Figures 24b and 24c, in the third embodiment, the detent releasing force is applied to a top surface of the packaging in direction indicted by arrow D and the moving force is applied either simultaneously or consecutively to slide the disc 304 relative to the second part 303 in the direction indicated by arrow E until the disc reaches the position shown in Figure 24d. The battery 4 can then be removed, as shown in Figure 24e. The mechanism requires combined actions using both hands simultaneously, which may effectively prevent children from trying opening the packaging and obtaining the battery. The packaging also can store a used battery, by placing a used battery in the circular battery disc and moving the disc back to the original position. The detent will then secure the disc and the used battery can be disposed of properly.

Fourth embodiment

With reference to Figures 25 and 26a to 26e a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The fourth embodiment 400 has features and functions similar to the first, second, and third embodiments described above, except as described below. The fourth embodiment of the packaging 400 comprises a first part 401, a second part 403, and a third part in the form of a tray 404. When assembled, the first part 401, second part 403 and disc 404 form a cavity 405 for receiving the battery 4.

The packaging has a line of weakness in the form of perforations 407. In the fourth embodiment, the packaging has one line of perforations 407 on the first part 401 and the second part 403 does not have a line of perforations. However, it will be appreciated that the second part may have a line of perforations in an alternative embodiment.

The packaging 400 further comprises a detent between the second part 403 and the tray 404 for positively locating the second part and the tray 404 together when the packaging is assembled. The detent comprises tabs 409 on the tray 404 that extend through apertures 411 in the second part. The tray has a round boss 413 that slides in a slot 415 of the second part when a moving force is applied to the second part. The boss and slot assist to keep the tray 404 and the second part 403 aligned as the tray moves.

With reference to Figure 26a, to remove the battery 4 from the packaging 400, the first part 401 is separated along the perforations 407 and the circular portion 401a is removed. The first part 401 is preferably separated by a consumer tearing the packaging along the perforations 407. With reference to Figures 26b and 26c, in the fourth embodiment, the detent releasing force is applied to the side surfaces of the packaging in directions indicted by arrows F and G and the moving force is applied either simultaneously or consecutively to slide the tray 404 relative to the second part 403 in the direction indicated by arrow H until the tray reaches the position shown in Figure 26d. The battery 4 can then be removed, as shown in Figure 26e. The mechanism requires combined actions using both hands simultaneously, which may effectively prevent children from trying opening the packaging and obtaining the battery. The packaging also can store a used battery, by placing the used battery in the battery tray and moving the tray back to the original position. The wedge mechanism will then lock the tray and the used battery can be disposed of properly. Fifth embodiment

With reference to Figures 27 to 32, a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention is shown.

The fifth embodiment of the packaging 500 comprises a first part 501 and a second part 503. When assembled, the first part 501 and second part 503 form a cavity 505 for receiving the battery 5. The first and second parts are preferably sealed together in the area shown with oblique line shading.

The packaging has a line of weakness in the form of perforations 507. In the fifth embodiment, the packaging has one line of perforations 507 on the first part 501 and the second part 503. However, it will be appreciated that the second part may be free from perforations in an alternative embodiment.

The packaging 500 further comprises a detent/wedge mechanism between the first part 501 and the second part 503 for positively locating the first and second parts together when the packaging is assembled, in addition to seal between the first and second parts. The detent/wedge mechanism also secures the first and second parts together after the sealed portion has been removed. To remove the battery 5 from the packaging 500, the first part 501 is separated along the perforations 507 and the exterior portion 501a is removed. The first part 501 is preferably separated by a consumer tearing the packaging along the perforations 507. Tearing the perforations may initially discourage children from gaining access to the battery.

The first and second parts have arcuate bosses 509, 511 with complementary wedge surfaces 513, 515, 517, 519. The lower wedge surfaces 513, 519 have a greater angle than the upper wedge surfaces 515, 517. When engaged, the battery is completely enclosed by the arcuate bosses 509, 511 of the first and second parts.

With reference to Figures 29 and 30, in the fifth embodiment, the detent releasing force is applied to the bottom of the packaging in directions indicted by arrow I and the moving force is applied to move the first and second parts away from each other in a direction transverse to the detent releasing force. The moving force may be completely applied by the consumer, or may be applied in part by the resiliency of the first and/or second parts. The moving force is applied either simultaneously with or consecutively to the detent releasing force. The battery 5 can then be removed. The mechanism requires combined actions using both hands simultaneously, which may effectively prevent children from trying opening the packaging and obtaining the battery.

The packaging also can store a used battery, by placing the used battery in the cavity and pushing the first part and second part together so the detent/wedge mechanism secures the first and second parts together. The detent/wedge mechanism will then lock the tray and the used battery can be disposed of properly. Additionally, a message which warns the potential health risk of a battery and illustrates safe disposal of a used battery may be placed on the packaging in the hope of encouraging consumers to make full use of the packaging.

Each of the preferred embodiments of the packaging disclosed herein requires the coordinated use of both hands and the application of a force, such as tearing

perforations, turning, pushing and/or squeezing, without using tools, to gain access, and therefore should provide the requisite level of protection. The preferred embodiments overcome the conflicting requirements of packaging that is child-resistant and at the same time able to be opened without unreasonable difficulty by an adult, such as using a tool. The packaging described herein requires a degree of perception and manual dexterity above the abilities of unsupervised children attempting to gain access to the contents of the packaging, while being easy for adults to use.

Each of the preferred embodiments of the packaging of the invention can be easily extended to form multi-battery packaging of any quantity, which will provide all of the abovementioned features and uses. For example, each of the preferred embodiments described may be modified to contain multiple batteries to meet the various needs. The multi-battery packaging may hold two, three, five or six batteries together.

Manufacturing process

The packaging of the invention can be manufactured using moulding process, preferably thermal and/or press moulding such as vacuum moulding. The first embodiment is preferably formed from a single piece of material that is folded during assembly. A prototype of the first embodiment was manufactured from an oblong piece of sheet material, in particular clear plastic. The prototype was prepared and processed using a set of moulds on a vacuum moulding machine to have a profile illustrated in Figures 1 to 5. The second embodiment is formed from three pieces: the first part, second part, and the disc. The first part and second part are fastened together, for example by gluing or heat sealing. The third and fourth embodiments are formed in a similar manner to the second embodiment. Each embodiment includes an elliptical hole for store display. The packaging is made of one kind of material, for example, cardboard or plastic, and therefore may encourage a consumer to recycle the packaging, which will diminish the short-term and long-term impact on the environment of the packaging. More preferably, the material is a recycled material. Alternatively, the packaging may comprise more than one material. For example, the first part may be a suitable polymeric material and the second part may be a paper or cardboard. However, for recycling purposes, it will be appreciated that a single material is more beneficial than packaging comprising more than one material. The packaging may be manufactured using fewer amounts of energy and material in a facility with lower complexity compared to packaging that uses more than one material. In addition, the first embodiment may be assembled just by folding in the packaging process without the need for heating, pressing and/or adhering so that energy consumption may be further reduced and it may be eventually beneficial to the manufacturer.

In one embodiment, the packaging is formed from a single material with all of the components being made from that material. The single material may be a polymeric material, such as such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PC (polycarbonate), PP (polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a metallic material, such as steel or Aluminium alloy, or paper/cardboard. Preferably, the first and second parts of the packaging are manufactured from sheets of material formed into the required shape. The sheet may be pressed, or moulded into the required shape. The sheet is suitably thin, with a thickness not exceeding 2 mm. Preferred embodiments of the invention have been described by way of example only and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

In the embodiment shown, the packaging is arranged to contain a single battery.

Alternatively, the packaging may be arranged to contain a plurality of batteries.

For example, the line of weakness has been described as a straight line of perforations. However, it will be appreciated that the line may be non-linear, for example curved or a zigzag. Alternatively, the line of weakness may be a line of reduced thickness, rather than perforations.

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. Packaging for an item, the packaging comprising:

a. a first part;

b. a second part assemblage with the first part to form a cavity between the first and second parts for receiving the item;

c. a detent for positively locating the first part and the second part together when the packaging is assembled;

d. a line of weakness that is shearable for partly separating the first part from the second part;

e. the packaging being arranged such that the item is removable from the packaging by first shearing the packaging along the line of weakness, applying a detent releasing force in a first direction to release the detent, and applying a moving force to move the first part relative to the second part allowing access to the cavity and the item contained therein, the moving force being applied in a direction that is substantially transverse to a direction of the detent releasing force.

2. Packaging in accordance with claim 1, wherein the moving force is applied after the detent releasing force is applied.

3. Packaging in accordance with claim 1, wherein the moving force and detent

releasing force are applied simultaneously.

4. Packaging in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the item is removable without the use of tools.

5. Packaging in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the detent releasing force is applied manually.

6. Packaging in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the moving releasing force is applied manually.

7. Packaging in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the first part

comprises the line of weakness and the first part is separated into portions by tearing the first part along the line of weakness.

8. Packaging in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the line of weakness comprises a line of perforations.

9. Packaging in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the first part is integrally formed with the second part.

10. Packaging in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the detent

releasing force is applied to a top surface of the packaging and the moving force is applied to rotate the first part relative to the second part.

11. Packaging in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the detent

releasing force is applied to a bottom surface of the packaging and the moving force is applied to rotate the first part relative to the second part.

12. Packaging in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the detent

releasing force is applied to a top surface of the packaging and the moving force is applied to slide the first part relative to the second part in a generally linear direction.

13. Packaging in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the detent

releasing force is applied to a bottom surface of the packaging and the moving force is applied to slide the first part relative to the second part in a generally linear direction.

14. Packaging in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the detent

releasing force is applied to one or both of the side surfaces of the packaging and the moving force is applied to slide the first part relative to the second part in a generally linear direction.

15. Packaging in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the packaging is reusable.

16. Packaging in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the packaging is formed from a single material with the first part and second part being formed from that single material.

17. Packaging in accordance with claim 15, wherein the single material is a polymeric material.

18. Packaging in accordance with claim 16, wherein the polymeric material is selected from PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PC (polycarbonate), PP (polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride)

19. A combination of packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 17 together with an item.

20. A combination according to claim 18, wherein the packaging is arranged to

contain a single item.

21. A combination according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the packaging is

arranged to contain a plurality of items.

22. A combination according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the item is a battery.

23. Packaging for an item, the packaging comprising:

a. a first part;

b. a second part;

c. a third part movable relative to the first part and the second part, d. the first part, second part and third part being assemblable together to form a cavity for receiving the item;

e. a detent for positively locating the second part and the third part together when the packaging is assembled;

f. a line of weakness that is shearable for partly separating the first part from the second part;

g. the packaging being arranged such that the item is removable from the packaging by first shearing the packaging along the line of weakness, applying a detent releasing force in a first direction to release the detent, and applying a moving force to move the second part relative to the third part allowing access to the cavity and the item contained therein, the moving force being applied in a direction that is substantially transverse to a direction of the detent releasing force.

24. Packaging in accordance with claim 23, wherein the moving force is applied after the detent releasing force is applied.

25. Packaging in accordance with claim 23, wherein the moving force and detent releasing force are applied simultaneously.

26. Packaging in accordance with any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the item is removable without the use of tools.

27. Packaging in accordance with any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the detent releasing force is applied manually.

28. Packaging in accordance with any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the moving releasing force is applied manually.

29. Packaging in accordance with any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the first part comprises the line of weakness and the first part is separated into portions by tearing the first part along the line of weakness.

30. Packaging in accordance with any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein the line of weakness comprises a line of perforations.

31. Packaging in accordance with any one of claims 23 to 30, wherein the first part is integrally formed with the second part.

32. Packaging in accordance with any one of claims 23 to 31, wherein the detent releasing force is applied to a top surface of the packaging and the moving force is applied to rotate the third part relative to the second part.

33. Packaging in accordance with any one of claims 23 to 31, wherein the detent releasing force is applied to a bottom surface of the packaging and the moving force is applied to rotate the third part relative to the second part.

34. Packaging in accordance with any one of claims 23 to 31, wherein the detent releasing force is applied to a top surface of the packaging and the moving force is applied to slide the third part relative to the second part in a generally linear direction.

35. Packaging in accordance with any one of claims 23 to 31, wherein the detent releasing force is applied to a bottom surface of the packaging and the moving force is applied to slide the third part relative to the second part in a generally linear direction.

36. Packaging in accordance with any one of claims 23 to 31, wherein the detent releasing force is applied to one or both of the side surfaces of the packaging and the moving force is applied to slide the third part relative to the second part in a generally linear direction.

37. Packaging in accordance with any one of claims 23 to 36, wherein the packaging is reusable.

38. Packaging in accordance with any one of claims 23 to 37, wherein the packaging is formed from a single material with the first part, second part and third being formed from that single material.

39. Packaging in accordance with claim 38, wherein the single material is a polymeric material.

40. Packaging in accordance with claim 39, wherein the polymeric material is selected from PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PC (polycarbonate), PP (polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

41. A combination of packaging according to any one of claims 23 to 38 together with an item.

42. A combination according to claim 41, wherein the packaging is arranged to

contain a single item.

43. A combination according to claim 41 or claim 42, wherein the packaging is

arranged to contain a plurality of items.

44. A combination according to any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein the item is a battery.