WO2018022976A1

WO2018022976A1 - Button cell battery sizer and identification device and method

Info

Publication number: WO2018022976A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/044340
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric F. Henry
Original assignee: Mechtronics Corporation
Priority date: 2016-07-28
Filing date: 2017-07-28
Publication date: 2018-02-01

Abstract

A device is provided for sizing and identifying a button cell battery. The device includes a battery carrier and indicia appearing on or proximate the battery carrier for indicating a size or type of button cell battery. A track extends longitudinally within the battery carrier and a sliding mount receives and retains the battery and transitions it along the track. The track includes a plurality of track portions P1 to Pn. The track portion P1 defines a first dimension D1 corresponding to a first battery diameter and a second dimension T1 corresponding to a first battery thickness. The track portion P1 transitions to the track portion Pn, and the track portion Pn defines a first dimension Dn corresponding to a second battery diameter less than the first dimension D1 or a second dimension Tn corresponding to a second battery thickness less than the second dimension T1.

Description

BUTTON CELL BATTERY SIZER AND IDENTIFICATION

DEVICE AND METHOD

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit, in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of U.S.

Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/367,957 filed on July 28, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates generally to a device and method for sizing and identifying round button cells or batteries. More particularly, this invention relates to a device and method for determining the size of a button cell battery and identifying a suitable replacement button cell battery.

BACKGROUND

[0004] A round button cell or battery is a single-cell battery shaped like a button or a coin and is typically used to power numerous small electronic devices such as, for example, wrist watches, hearing aids, transmitters for keyless entry remotes for automobiles or garage door openers, and other like devices. The button cells are configured to provide a particular power rating for each of the numerous devices, and to fit within a predetermined compartment inside the device. Each type or model of the button cells are typically manufactured by several different manufacturers and offered for sale in a merchandise display unit or case. While such button cells are typically identified by a designation number in accordance with an international standard or by a manufacturer's designation, it is often difficult for a user of a particular electronic device to determine which new button cell is a suitable replacement for the expired cell. In addition, such button cells have a comparatively small diameter and thickness and define a diameter of about five millimeters (5 mm) to about twenty-five millimeters (25 mm), and a thickness of about one millimeter (1 mm) to about twenty millimeters (20 mm). Such small sizes of these button cells make it more difficult for a consumer to determine which new button cell is a suitable replacement for the expired cell.

[0005] In most retail environments, merchandise display units for new button cell batteries are configured to allow the bulk storage, organization and display of the batteries. Additionally, the space that is available in the retail environment for the merchandise display unit must be utilized effectively in order to maximize the revenue generated from merchandise displayed within the designated retail area. Often, only a select few, or even one, manufacturer's replacement button cells may be offered for sale. While catalogs and cross-reference charts can be provided to assist a consumer in selecting a suitable replacement button cell battery, they are often provided in small print and are attached in some manner to the merchandise display. These constraints further contribute to the difficulty experienced by a consumer in determining which new button cell battery is a suitable replacement for the expired battery. As such, it is desirable for a retail environment of replacement button cell batteries to provide a device and method that enables a consumer to easily determine the size of an expired battery and identify a suitable and correctly-sized replacement battery.

SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention is directed to a device for sizing and identifying a button cell battery, the device comprising: a battery carrier; indicia appearing on or proximate the battery carrier for indicating a size or type of button cell battery; a track extending longitudinally within the battery carrier; a sliding mount configured to receive and retain a battery therein and to transition along the track; and a plurality of track portions PI to Pn, wherein, the track portion PI defines a first dimension Dl corresponding to a first battery diameter and a second dimension Tl corresponding to a first battery thickness, the track portion PI transitions to the track portion Pn, and the track portion Pn defines a first dimension Dn corresponding to a second battery diameter less than the first dimension Dl or a second dimension Tn corresponding to a second battery thickness less than the second dimension Tl . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is an isometric depiction of one embodiment of a device for sizing and identifying button cell batteries in accordance with the present invention.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a front isometric view of one embodiment of a pusher plate of the device of FIG. 1.

[00010] FIG. 4 is a rear isometric view of the pusher plate of FIG. 3.

[00011] FIG. 5 is a front view of one embodiment of a battery carrier of the device of FIG. 1.

[00012] FIG. 6 is a side view of the battery carrier of FIG. 5.

[00013] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the battery carrier of FIG. 5 taken along Line A-A of FIG. 5.

[00014] FIG. 8 is a front isometric view of another embodiment of a battery carrier of the device of FIG. 1.

[00015] FIG. 9 is a front isometric view of one embodiment of a front cover of the battery carrier of FIG. 1.

[00016]

[00017] FIG. 10 is a detail view of one embodiment of a port and port housing of the device of FIG. 1.

[00018] FIG. 11 is another detail view of the port and port housing of FIG. 10.

[00019] FIG. 12 is a rear isometric view of the pusher plate of FIG. 3 in an extended position.

[00020] FIG. 13 is a rear isometric view of the pusher plate of FIG. 3 in a further extended position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODFMENTS

[00021] One embodiment of a device for sizing and identifying a round button cell or battery and enabling the selection of a suitable replacement button cell battery is shown in FIG. 1 and is referred to herein as "device 10." Device 10 is configured to selectively measure a diameter and a thickness of a button cell battery deposited into the device 10, and to contemporaneously identify a suitable replacement for the expired battery by a designation number in accordance with an international standard, by a manufacturer's designation, or by other indicia appearing on or proximate to the device 10. Device 10 is further configured for use integral with, or proximate to, a merchandise display unit for button cell batteries in a retail environment.

[00022] Device 10 includes a port 12 and a port housing 14 configured to receive and releasably retain a button cell battery therein. Device 10 further includes a battery carrier 20 having one or more mounting members 30 extending therefrom; and a sliding mount or pusher plate 40 for guiding a button cell battery along the battery carrier 20. The battery carrier 20 includes a track 22 extending longitudinally therein, and a front cover 24 extending longitudinally thereon. The front cover 24 is retained within rails 26 defined at the top and bottom of the battery carrier 20 and extending along the battery carrier 20. In one embodiment and as shown in FIG. 9, the front cover 24 includes a radiused portion 25 extending rearward from a first end 24A thereof. In one embodiment, the front cover 24 is fabricated from a clear plastic or acrylic material.

[00023] In one embodiment and as further shown in FIG. 9, the front cover 24 includes indicia 50 for indicating a size or type of button cell battery. The indicia 50 corresponds to the designation number or other identifiable classification of the battery carried within the battery carrier 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the battery carrier 20 defines a mounting angle a with the mounting members 30. The mounting angle a is in the range of 0° (i.e., the battery carrier 20 is in a vertical or perpendicular position in relation to the horizontal mounting members 30) to 90° (i.e., the battery carrier 20 is in a horizontal or parallel position in relation to the horizontal mounting members 30). In one embodiment, a pair of mounting arms 32 extends rearwardly from the battery carrier 20 and engages respective mounting bracket members 34. In one embodiment, mounting bracket members 34 include respective mounting bracket supports 36 configured with one or more hooks 35 to engage a peg board.

[00024] Varying the mounting angle a enables the device 10 to be selectively configured for use integral with, or proximate to, the merchandise display unit for button cell batteries in the retail environment. The battery sizing and identification process is enhanced by placing the battery carrier 20 in a predetermined line-of-sight of the consumer on a unique, common visual plane. By varying the mounting angle a from of 0° to 90° (i.e., any position from vertical or perpendicular to horizontal or parallel in relation to the horizontal mounting members 30), the battery carrier 20 is selectively positioned in the predetermined visual plane. Positioning the battery carrier 20 in the predetermined visual plane facilitates a consumer's visual recognition and use of the device 10. Thus, positioning the battery carrier 20 in the predetermined visual plane enables the consumer to more easily locate the battery carrier 20 and place the expired battery within the battery carrier 20; and facilitates the consumer's visual recognition of the indicia 50 on such visual plane. In contrast, not positioning the battery carrier 20 in a predetermined visual plane typically requires the consumer to change a position (e.g., bend over, bend at the knees, or otherwise strain) to locate and use the battery carrier 20 or recognize the indicia 50. In one embodiment, the mounting angle a is in the range from 0° to 90°. In one embodiment, the mounting angle a is in the range from about 30° to about 60°. In one embodiment, the mounting angle a is about 45°.

[00025] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 10 to 13, the pusher plate 40 includes a slide mount 41 configured to be received within and slideably engage rails 27 on the back side of the battery carrier 20 (FIG. 12). The pusher plate 40 also includes a centering member 42 configured to receive and retain a battery 110 therein when inserted therein by a consumer and when the battery 110 transitions along the track 22 of the battery carrier 20. The centering member 42 is configured to be received within and slidingly engage the track 22 of the battery carrier 20. The centering member 42 is configured to capture and hold the battery 110 via a friction hold, magnetism, or other releasably fixed mechanism or means. In one embodiment, the centering member 42 is magnetized or includes a magnet to releasably retain the battery therein. In one embodiment, the pusher plate 40 includes a handle or lever 44 to assist in slideably guiding the slide mount 41 along the battery carrier 20 and thereby slideably guide the battery 110 along the battery carrier 20. In one embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 7, the port housing 14 includes a semi-spherical or concave cavity or well 23 in which the battery 110 is captured and retained. In one embodiment and as shown in FIG. 8, the port housing 14 includes a channel or chute 28 extending upwardly therefrom through which the battery 110 is deposited into the port housing 14 and received and retained therein by the centering member 42 of the pusher plate 40. While the pusher plate 40 is shown and described for guiding a button cell battery along the battery carrier 20, the present invention is not limited in this regard as other mechanisms for guiding a button cell battery along the battery carrier 20 can be employed without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention.

[00026] In one embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a spring 16 is mounted to, and extends between, the pusher plate 40 and the first end 20A of the battery carrier 20. Upon completion of the sizing and identification of the battery 110, the spring 16 assists in guiding or returning the pusher plate 40 containing the battery therein back to the first end 20A of the battery carrier 20 when the pusher plate 40 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow R. In one embodiment, the spring 16 is a ribbon spring 17. In one embodiment, a first end 17A of the ribbon spring 17 is mounted to the first end 20A of the battery carrier 20, or the mounting arm 32 proximate the first end 20A of the battery carrier 20, and the remaining spool 17B of the ribbon spring 17 is housed within a spring housing 46 defined on the pusher plate 40.

[00027] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the track 22 of the battery carrier 20 includes a series of ten (10) track portions, PI to P10. First portion PI defines a first dimension Dl which corresponds to an outer diameter BDl (FIG. 11) of a subject battery, and a second dimension Tl which corresponds to a thickness of the subject battery. Second portion P2 defines the first dimension Dl and a corresponding second dimension T2 which corresponds to a lesser thickness of a subject battery than second dimension Tl . Third portion P3 defines the first dimension Dl and a corresponding second dimension T3 which corresponds to a lesser thickness of a subject battery than second dimension T2. Fourth portion P4 defines the first dimension Dl and a corresponding second dimension T4 which corresponds to a lesser thickness of a subject battery than second dimension T3. Thus, when the battery 110, having an outer diameter BDl equal to first dimension Dl, transitions along the track 22, it will stop at the portion PI to P4 where the thickness of the battery 110 corresponds to the second dimension Tl to T4. The indicia 50 on the front cover 24 will provide the designation number or other identifiable classification of the battery 110 carried within the battery carrier 20 and retained within the respective portion PI to P4.

[00028] Similarly, fifth portion P5 defines a first dimension D2 which corresponds to a lesser outer diameter BDl of a subject battery than first dimension Dl, and a corresponding second dimension Τ which corresponds to a thickness greater than fourth dimension T4, such as for example substantially equal to second dimension Tl . Sixth portion P6 defines the first dimension D2 and a corresponding second dimension T2' which corresponds to a lesser thickness of a subject battery than second dimension Τ . Seventh portion P7 defines the first dimension D2 and a corresponding second dimension T3' which corresponds to a lesser thickness of a subject battery than second dimension T2'. Eighth portion P8 defines the first dimension D2 and a corresponding second dimension T4' which corresponds to a lesser thickness of a subject battery than second dimension T3 ' . The indicia 50 on the front cover 24 will provide the designation number or other identifiable classification of the battery 110 carried within the battery carrier 20 and retained within the respective portion P5 to P8.

[00029] Similarly, ninth portion P9 defines a first dimension D3 which corresponds to a lesser outer diameter BDl of a subject battery than first dimension D2, and a corresponding second dimension Tl" which corresponds to a thickness greater than fourth dimension T4'; and tenth portion P10 defines a first dimension D4 which corresponds to a lesser outer diameter BDl of a subject battery than first dimension D3, and a corresponding second dimension Tl".

[00030] In various embodiments of the device 10, the battery carrier 20 includes a series of "n" track portions, PI to Pn. Each portion PI to Pn defines a first dimension Dl which corresponds to an outer diameter of the subject battery, and a corresponding second dimension Tl which corresponds to the thickness of the subject battery. The first or the second dimension is selectively diminished such that when the subject battery transitions along the track 22, it will stop at the respective portion PI to Pn where the first and the second dimension of the respective portion PI to Pn correspond respectively to the subject battery outer diameter and thickness. The indicia 50 on the front cover 24 will provide the designation number or other identifiable classification of the subject battery carried within the battery carrier 20 and retained within the respective portion PI to Pn. Accordingly, track 22 is configured to accommodate, size and identify batteries exhibiting a multitude of outer diameters wherein each sized outer diameter may correspond to batteries exhibiting a multitude of thicknesses.

[00031] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, the battery 110 is deposited within the port 12 and port housing 14 of the device 10. The pusher plate 40 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow Q thereby guiding the battery 110 along the track 22 within the battery carrier 20. The battery 110 defines an outer diameter BDl equal to first dimension Dl of first portion PI of the track 22. Thus, the battery 110 will not transverse track 22 beyond fourth portion P4 after which the first dimension D2 is less than the outer diameter BDl of the battery 110. In addition, the battery 110 defines a battery thickness BTl (not shown) that is equal to second dimension Tl of first portion PI . Thus, the battery 110 may not transverse track 22 to second portion P2 after which the second dimension T2 is less than the thickness of the battery 110. [00032] Although the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments thereof, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, upon a reading and understanding of the foregoing disclosure, that numerous variations and alterations to the disclosed embodiments will fall within the spirit and scope of this invention and of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A device for sizing and identifying a button cell battery, the device comprising:

a battery carrier;

indicia appearing on or proximate the battery carrier for indicating a size or type of button cell battery;

a track extending longitudinally within the battery carrier;

a sliding mount configured to receive and retain a battery therein and to transition along the track; and

a plurality of track portions PI to Pn, wherein,

the track portion PI defines a first dimension Dl corresponding to a first battery diameter and a second dimension Tl corresponding to a first battery thickness,

the track portion PI transitions to the track portion Pn, and

the track portion Pn defines a first dimension Dn corresponding to a second battery diameter less than the first dimension Dl or a second dimension Tn corresponding to a second battery thickness less than the second dimension Tl .

2. The device of Claim 1, further comprising:

rails extending along a top and a bottom of the battery carrier; and

a front cover slideably retained within the rails, the indicia appearing on the front cover.

The device of Claim 1, further comprising:

at least one mounting member extending rearwardly from the battery carrier; and a mounting angle defined between the at least one mounting member and the battery and configured to position the battery carrier in a predetermined visual plane.

The device of Claim 3, wherein:

the mounting angle is in the range from about 30° to about 60°.

5. The device of Claim 1, the sliding mount further comprising:

a centering member configured to receive and retain a battery therein and configured to be received within and slidingly engage the track.

6. The device of Claim 5, the centering member further comprising:

a magnet to releasably retain the battery therein.

5. The device of Claim 1, the plurality of track portions PI to Pn comprising:

a first track portion PI;

a second track portion P2;

a third track portion P3; and

a fourth track portion P4;

wherein,

the first track portion PI transitions to the second track portion P2;

the second track portion P2 transitions to the third track portion P3;

the third track portion P3 transitions to the fourth track portion P4;

the first track portion PI defines a first dimension Dl corresponding to a first battery diameter and a second dimension Tl corresponding to a first battery thickness,

the second track portion P2 defines the first dimension Dl and a second dimension T2 that is less than the second dimension Tl,

the third track portion P3 defines the first dimension Dl and a second dimension T3 that is less than the second dimension T2, and

the fourth track portion P4 defines the first dimension Dl and a second dimension T4 that is less than the second dimension T3.

6. The device of Claim 5, the plurality of track portions PI to Pn further comprising:

a fifth track portion P5;

a sixth track portion P6;

a seventh track portion P7; and

an eighth track portion P8;

wherein,

the fifth track portion P5 transitions to the sixth track portion P6;

the sixth track portion P6 transitions to the seventh track portion P7;

the seventh track portion P7 transitions to the eighth track portion P8;

the fifth track P5 defines a first dimension D2 corresponding to a second battery diameter and a second dimension Τ corresponding to a second battery thickness greater than second dimension T4;

the sixth portion P6 defines the first dimension D2 and a second dimension T2' that is less than the second dimension Τ ,

the seventh portion P7 defines the first dimension D2 and a second dimension T3' that is less than the second dimension T2', and

the eighth portion P8 defines the first dimension D2 and a second dimension T4' that is less than the second dimension T3 '.