US20090321305A1

US20090321305A1 - Compact battery package

Info

Publication number: US20090321305A1
Application number: US12/145,976
Authority: US
Inventors: Tyler T. Watson; Scott W. Osiecki; Mark A. Ferguson
Original assignee: Eveready Battery Co Inc
Current assignee: Edgewell Personal Care Brands LLC
Priority date: 2008-06-25
Filing date: 2008-06-25
Publication date: 2009-12-31

Abstract

A battery package comprising a rear member and a front member pivotally connected to the rear member. The package has a closed position wherein the front member is engaged with the rear member and defines an interior space therebetween. The package also includes an open position allowing access to the interior space. Batteries are located in the space. The package includes support structure for supporting the batteries in the interior space. The rear member includes a foot allowing the package to stand substantially upright on a horizontal surface. A projection having an aperture extending from the front member and the rear member allows the package to be hung on a rod. The package can alternatively be positioned on the horizontal surface and be hung on a rod for display purposes. The package can also include a resealable closure allowing the package to be maintained in the closed position.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to packaging, and in particular to packaging for batteries.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention is to provide a battery package comprising a rear member and a front member pivotally connected to the rear member. The front member is pivotable about the rear member at a pivot, with the battery package having a closed position wherein the front member is engaged with the rear member and defining an interior space therebetween and with the battery package also including an open position allowing access to the interior space. Batteries are located in the interior space. At least one of the front member and the rear member includes support structure for supporting the batteries in the interior space. The rear member includes a foot allowing the battery package to stand substantially upright on a horizontal surface. A projection extends from the front member and the rear member, the projection having an aperture for allowing the battery package to be hung on a rod. The battery package can alternatively be positioned on the horizontal surface and be hung on a rod for display purposes.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a battery package comprising a rear member and a front member pivotally connected to the rear member. The front member is pivotable about the rear member at a pivot, with the battery package having a closed position wherein the front member is engaged with the rear member and defining an interior space therebetween. The battery package also includes an open position allowing access to the interior space. Batteries are in the interior space. At least one of the front member and the rear member includes support structure for supporting the batteries in the interior space. The battery package also includes a hanger projection extending from the front member and the rear member, with the hanger projection having an aperture for allowing the battery package to be hung on a rod. The hanger projection is separate from the front member and the rear member such that the hanger projection can be removed from the battery package once the battery package is moved to the open position. A resealable closure allows the front member and the rear member to be maintained in the closed position.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a battery package comprising a rear member and a front member pivotally connected to the rear member. The front member is pivotable about the rear member at a pivot, with the battery package having a closed position wherein the front member is engaged with the rear member and defining an interior space therebetween. The battery package also includes an open position allowing access to the interior space. Batteries are in the interior space. The rear member includes support structure for supporting the batteries in the interior space. The rear member also includes a foot allowing the battery package to stand substantially upright on a horizontal surface. A hanger projection extends from the front member and the rear member, with the hanger projection having an aperture for allowing the battery package to be hung on a rod. The hanger projection is separate from the front member and the rear member such that the hanger projection can be removed from the battery package once the battery package is moved to the open position. A resealable closure allows the front member and the rear member to be maintained in the closed position. The battery package can alternatively be positioned on the horizontal surface and be hung on a rod for display purposes.
These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery package of the present invention in a closed configuration.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the battery package of the present invention in the closed configuration.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a front member and a rear member of the battery package of the present invention in an open configuration.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the battery package of the present invention in the closed configuration.

FIG. 5 is an exploded front view of the battery package of the present invention in the open position.

FIG. 6 is rear perspective view of the front member and the rear member of the battery package of the present invention in the closed position.

FIG. 7 is a close-up view of a pivot between the front member and the rear member of the battery package of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as orientated in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
The reference number 10 (FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5) generally designates a battery package embodying the present invention. In the illustrated example, the battery package 10 comprises a rear member 12, a front member 14 pivotally connected to the rear member 12, batteries 16 and a projection 18 extending from the front member 14 and the rear member 12. The front member 14 is pivotable about the rear member 12 at a pivot 20, with the battery package 10 having a closed position (FIGS. 1-2) wherein the front member 14 is engaged with the rear member 12 and defining an interior space 22 therebetween. The battery package 10 also includes an open position (FIGS. 3 and 5) allowing access to the interior space 22. The batteries 16 are in the interior space 22. At least one of the front member 14 and the rear member 12 include support structure 24 for supporting the batteries 16 in the interior space 22. The rear member 12 includes a foot 26 allowing the battery package 10 to stand substantially upright on a horizontal surface 28 (see FIG. 2). The projection 18 extends from the front member 14 and the rear member 12, with the projection 18 having an aperture 30 for allowing the battery package 10 to be hung on a rod. Therefore, the battery package 10 can alternatively be positioned on the horizontal surface 28 and be hung on a rod for display purposes.
The illustrated batteries 16 within the battery package 10 can comprise electrochemical cells for supplying voltage to battery powered devices. The batteries 16 can comprise any of the popular alkaline or lithium cells of the generally cylindrical shape that are commercially available in industry-recognized, standard sizes, including D-, C-, AA-, AAA-, and AAAA-size cells, as well as other sizes and configurations (e.g., 9 volt batteries). Alternatively, disc-shaped batteries commercially available for small electrically operated devices, such as hearing aids, could be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery package 10 includes four aligned cylindrical batteries 16 therein. However, it is contemplated that the battery package 10 could include any number of batteries 16 therein. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the battery package 10 could include different batteries 16 and/or a plurality of different size batteries 16.
In the illustrated example, the rear member 12 includes the support structure 24 for supporting the batteries 16. However, it is contemplated that the front member 14 could include the support structure 24 for supporting the batteries 16 or that the front member 14 and the rear member 12 could each have support structure and work in combination to support the batteries 16 in the interior space 22.
The illustrated rear member 12 includes a substantially planar rear wall 32 having the support structure 24 thereon. The support structure 24 includes a top wall 34 having a plurality of battery receiving upper slots 36 and a bottom wall 38 having a plurality of battery receiving lower slots 40. The top wall 34 has a top face 42, a bottom face 44, a first side face 46, a second side face 48 and an end face 50 substantially parallel to the rear wall 32. The battery receiving upper slots 36 are defined by a plurality of ridges 52 extending from and connected to the bottom face 44 of the top wall 34, with the battery receiving upper slots 36 being located between the ridges 52. In the illustrated embodiment, the top wall 34 includes five ridges 52 defining four battery receiving upper slots 36. However, it is contemplated that any number of ridges 52 and battery receiving upper slots 36 could be employed. For example, while in the illustrated example one ridge 52 is located between each of the battery receiving upper slots 36, it is contemplated that each ridge 52 could only define one side of only one battery receiving upper slots 36 (as opposed to the illustrated middle three ridges 52, which define one side of two battery receiving upper slots 36 (see FIG. 3)). It is contemplated that the top wall 34 could include at least one indentation 66 at a corner between the top face 42 and each of the first side face 46 and the second side face 48 for providing support and strengthening the top wall 34.
In the illustrated example, the bottom wall 38 can be a substantial mirror image of the top wall 34. The bottom wall 38 can include a top face 54, a bottom face 56, a first side face 58, a second side face 60 and an end face 62 substantially parallel to the rear wall 32. The battery receiving lower slots 40 are defined by a plurality of ridges 64 extending from and connected to the top face 54 of the bottom wall 38, with the battery receiving lower slots 40 being located between the ridges 64. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom wall 38 includes five ridges 64 defining four battery receiving lower slots 40. However, it is contemplated that any number of ridges 64 and battery receiving lower slots 40 could be employed. For example, while in the illustrated example one ridge 64 is located between each of the battery receiving lower slots 40, it is contemplated that each ridge 64 could only define one side of only one of the battery receiving lower slots 40 (as opposed to the illustrated middle three ridges 64, which define one side of two battery receiving lower slots 40 (see FIG. 3)). It is contemplated that the bottom wall 38 could include at least one indentation 68 at a corner between the bottom face 56 and each of the first side face 58 and the second side face 60 for providing support and strengthening the bottom wall 38. It is further contemplated that the bottom wall 38 could include a configuration that is different than a mirror image of the top wall 34 (e.g., having a different ridge configuration than the top wall 34).
Each of the illustrated battery receiving upper slots 36 are aligned with one of the battery receiving lower slots 40, with one of the battery receiving upper slots 36 accepting a top of a battery 16 and an aligned one of the battery receiving lower slots 40 accepting a bottom of a battery 16 to maintain the battery 16 within the interior space 22. In the illustrated example, each of the battery receiving upper slots 36 and battery receiving lower slots 40 extend for more than 180°, thereby allowing the batteries to snap into the battery receiving upper slots 36 and battery receiving lower slots 40 and be maintained within the battery receiving upper slots 36 and battery receiving lower slots 40. The tops of the ridges 52 and 64 will be able to deflect to allow the batteries 16 to be removed from the battery receiving upper slots 36 and battery receiving lower slots 40. While the batteries 16 are illustrated as being supported by the support structure 24 in a substantially vertical position, it is contemplated that the support structure 24 could be orientated such that the batteries 16 are supported in a horizontal position. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the support structure 24 could have a different configuration than that outlined herein. For example, the support structure 24 could compress ends of the batteries 16 to maintain the batteries 16 using the support structure 24 (either with or without touching or engaging side of the batteries 16). Moreover, it is contemplated that the support structure could only maintain the batteries 16 in position when the battery package 10 is in the closed position.
In the illustrated example, the rear member 12 includes a stepped periphery 70 surrounding the substantially planar rear wall 32. The stepped periphery 70 comprises a peripheral wall 72 substantially surrounding the substantially planar rear wall 32, a substantially planar top step 74 at a top end of the peripheral wall 72, an outside wall 76 extending downward from the top step 74 and a peripheral flange 78 extending outwardly from a bottom of the outside wall 76. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the peripheral wall 72 is connected to the border of the substantially planar rear wall 32 except for a bottom center portion of the substantially planar rear wall 32, where the stepped periphery 70 is interrupted at an interruption 80. The peripheral wall 72 can be flared outwardly (relative to the periphery of the substantially planar rear wall 32), flared inwardly or substantially perpendicular to the substantially planar rear wall 32. The top step 74 is connected to the top end of the peripheral wall 72 (except at the interruption 80). The top step 74 can be substantially parallel to the substantially planar rear wall 32. The outside wall 76 extends downward from the top step 74 (except at the interruption 80) in a direction back towards the substantially planar rear wall 32. The outside wall 76 can be tapered inwardly such that an outside circumference of the outside wall at an end connected to the top step 74 is larger than an end of the outside wall 76 opposite the top step 74. As discussed in more detail below, the top step 74 and the outside wall 76 work with the front member 14 for maintaining the battery package 10 in the closed position. The peripheral flange 78 is connected to the bottom of the outside wall 76. The peripheral flange 78 can be parallel to the planar rear wall 32 and the top step 74. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the peripheral flange 78 crosses the interruption 80, such that the peripheral flange 78 is not interrupted. As discussed in more detail below, the peripheral flange 78 is connected to the front member 14. The peripheral flange 78 includes a planar edge 82 located below the interruption 80 and a grip tab 84 at a side of the rear member 12 opposite the portion of the peripheral flange 78 connected to the front member 14. The grip tab 84 can include a channel 86 for providing support and strength to the grip tab 84.
The illustrated rear member 12 includes the foot 26 allowing the battery package 10 to stand substantially upright on the horizontal surface 28 (see FIG. 2). The foot 26 comprises an arcuate top wall 88, a U-shaped marginal wall 90 and a bottom wall 92. The arcuate top wall 88 extends rearwardly from a bottom of the planar rear wall 32 adjacent the interruption 80. The bottom wall 92 extends rearwardly from a top area of the peripheral flange 78 of the stepped periphery 70. The U-shaped marginal wall 90 extends between the arcuate top wall 88 and the bottom wall 92. As illustrated in FIG. 2, an intersection 94 between the bottom wall 92 and the U-shaped marginal wall 90 act with the planar edge 82 of the peripheral flange 78 of the stepped periphery 70 to allow the battery package 10 to stand substantially upright on the horizontal surface 28. It is contemplated that the foot 26 could have other configurations that allow the battery package 10 to stand substantially upright on the horizontal surface 28. For example, the bottom wall 92 could be curved and/or have any peripheral shape, the U-shaped marginal wall 90 could be omitted and/or the top wall 88 could be planar (for example, parallel with the bottom wall 92).
In the illustrated embodiment, the front member 14 is pivotable about the rear member 12 allowing the battery package 10 to move between the closed position and the open position. The front member 14 includes a substantially planar front wall 96 surrounded by an interrupted stepped side wall 98. The stepped side wall 98 comprises an inner arcuate first portion 100, a planar first step 102, a second portion 104 and a planar second step 106. The inner arcuate first portion 100 surrounds and is connected to an outside edge of the substantially planar front wall 96. The planar first step 102 is connected to an end of the inner arcuate first portion 100 opposite the planar front wall 96. The planar first step 102 is interrupted at an interruption 108 of the interrupted stepped side wall 98. The interruption 108 is located at a top middle portion of the stepped side wall 98 as illustrated in FIG. 3. The planar first step 102 can be substantially parallel to the planar front wall 96. The second portion 104 extends from an outside of the planar first step 102. The second portion 104 can be tapered inwardly such that a circumference of an end of the second portion 104 connected to the planar first step 102 is larger than an end of the second portion 104 connected to the planar second step 106. The second portion 104 is also interrupted at the interruption 108. The planar second step 106 is connected to an end of the second portion 104 opposite the planar first step 102. The planar second step 106 can be substantially parallel to the planar first step 102 and the planar front wall 96. The planar second step 106 is also interrupted at the interruption 108. The planar second step 106 is connected to the peripheral flange 78 of the stepped periphery 70 of the rear member at the pivot 20 to allow the battery package 10 to move between the open position and the closed position. The planar second step 106 includes a planar edge 110 located at a bottom thereof to work with the planar edge 82 of the peripheral flange 78 of the stepped periphery 70 of the rear member for maintaining the battery package upright on the horizontal surface 28. The planar second step 106 also includes a grip tab 112 at a side of the front member 14 opposite the portion of the planar second step 106 connected to the rear member 12. The grip tab 112 can include a channel 114 for providing support and strength to the grip tab 112.
In the illustrated example, the front member 14 is configured to be at least partially locked to the rear member 12 when the battery package 10 is in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, outside wall 76 of the stepped periphery 70 of the rear member 12 is configured to be accepted within second portion 104 of the interrupted stepped side wall 98 of the front member 14. Moreover, at least one of the outside wall 76 of the stepped periphery 70 of the rear member 12 and the second portion 104 of the interrupted stepped side wall 98 of the front member 14 can be tapered towards the rear. For example, all four sides of both the outside wall 76 of the stepped periphery 70 of the rear member 12 and the second portion 104 of the interrupted stepped side wall 98 of the front member 14 can be tapered towards the rear (e.g., like the sides of a pyramid). Accordingly, when the battery package is moved to the closed configuration from the open configuration, the second portion 104 of the interrupted stepped side wall 98 of the front member 14 will snap over the outside wall 76 of the stepped periphery 70 of the rear member 12, thereby at least partially locking the battery package 10 in the closed position.
The illustrated battery package 10 includes the projection 18 extending from the front member 14 and the rear member 12, with the projection 18 having the aperture 30 for allowing the battery package 10 to be hung on a rod. In the illustrated example, the projection 18 can comprise a principal projection component 116 and a secondary projection component 118. The principal projection component 116 includes a main panel portion 120 and a hanger extension 122. The main panel portion 120 is substantially rectangular and includes a central opening 125. The hanger extension 122 is substantially T-shaped and extends from a top of the main panel portion 120. A bottom of the hanger extension 122 defines a neck 132 of the principal projection component 116. The principal projection component 116 is unitary and can be formed from any material (e.g., paper or plastic). The hanger extension 122 includes a first portion 128 of the aperture 30 therein for allowing the battery package 10 to be hung on a rod in a store for display purposes as is well known to those skilled in the art. The secondary projection component 118 is substantially similar to a top portion of the principal projection component 116 and the hanger extension 122 of the principal projection component 116. The secondary projection component 118 can therefore include a main panel portion 124 and a hanger extension 126 connected thereto. A bottom of the hanger extension 126 defines a neck 133 of the secondary projection component 118. The hanger extension 126 includes a second portion 130 of the aperture 30 therein for allowing the battery package 10 to be hung on a rod in a store for display purposes as is well known to those skilled in the art. It is contemplated that the projection 18 could only include the principal projection component 116 without any secondary projection component 118 or only the secondary projection component 118 without any principal projection component 116.
FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the battery package 10 during assembly of the battery package 10. In assembling the battery package 10, the battery package is positioned in the open position and the batteries 16 are placed within the support structure 24 as described above. The projection 18 is placed onto the rear member 12. As illustrated in FIG. 4, when the projection 18 is placed onto the rear member 12, the main panel portion 120 rests on the top step 74 of the stepped periphery 70 and surrounds the top wall 34 and the bottom wall 38. Therefore, the top wall 34 and the bottom wall 38 will be located within the central opening 125 of the main panel portion 120 of the projection 18. The secondary projection component 118 can then be placed atop the principal projection component 116. When the front member 14 is pivoted about the pivot 20 to engage the rear member 12 to move the battery package 10 to the closed position, the projection 18 will extend out of the front member 14 and the rear member 12 through a slot 140 defined by the interruption 108 of the interrupted stepped side wall 98 of the front member 14. Therefore, the neck 132 and the neck 133 of the projection 18 will extend out of the slot 140.
In the illustrated embodiment, the battery package 10 can include a fastener 300 for maintaining the battery package 10 in the closed position. The fastener 300 can include a strip of material connected to the rear member 12 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The strip of material can include a pull tab 302 extending around a side of the battery package 10 and releasably connected to the front member 14 by a releasable adhesive. The pull tab 302 can be connected to the front member 14 to maintain the battery package 10 in the closed position and the pull tab 302 has to be removed from the front member 14 or broken before the battery package 10 can be moved to the open position to allow access to the interior space 22 and the batteries 16. It is noted that the grip tab 84 and the grip tab 112 can be easily grasped and moved away from each other to move the battery package 10 to the open position.
The illustrated battery package 10 can be easily formed and batteries can easily be packaged in the battery package 10. It is contemplated that the front member 14 and the rear member 12 can be formed as one piece and folded relative to each other. For example, the front member 14 and the rear member 12 can be thermoformed. The batteries 16 can also be placed onto the rear member 12 and the battery package 10 can be moved to the closed configuration to thereby package the batteries 16 in the battery package 10. It is contemplated that the pivot line between the front member 14 and the rear member 12 can be perforated or weakened to allow the elements to easily pivot relative to each other. It is also contemplated that the front member 14 and the rear member 12 could have a C-shaped pivot 600 to allow the front member 14 to easily pivot relative to the rear member 12 (see FIG. 7).
It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention. For example, it is contemplated that the battery package 10 can be formed of any formable material (e.g., plastic (e.g., PETG)) and can be formed or molded in any manner. Furthermore, it is contemplated that any portion or the entire battery package 10 can be transparent, translucent or opaque. It is also contemplated that a sticker 200 can be placed on the front member 14 for advertising or informational purposes. It is further contemplated that the battery receiving upper slots 36 and the battery receiving lower slots 40 can have a radius corresponding to the surface of the batteries 16 in the battery package, could be square or any other shape depending on the batteries (e.g., square for accepting 9-volt batteries thereon), or can be vertically or horizontally orientated. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the battery package 10 can be inclined on the support surface (as illustrated in FIG. 2) or can be vertical relative to the support surface. Moreover, it is contemplated that the battery package 10 could be entirely or almost entirely covered by a shrink wrap sleeve. It is to be understood that such concepts as described herein are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims

1. A battery package comprising:

a rear member having a substantially planar rear wall and a stepped periphery surrounding the substantially planar rear wall, the stepped periphery comprising a peripheral flange;

a front member pivotally connected to the rear member;

the front member being pivotable about the rear member at a pivot, with the battery package having a closed position wherein the front member is engaged with the rear member and defining an interior space therebetween, the battery package also including an open position allowing access to the interior space;

batteries in the interior space;

the rear member including a support structure for supporting the batteries in the interior space;

the rear member including a foot, the foot comprising an arcuate top wall, a U-shaped wall and a bottom wall, the arcuate top wall extends rearwardly from a bottom of the planar rear wall, the bottom wall extends rearwardly from a top area of the peripheral flange, and the U-shaped wall extends between the arcuate top wall and the bottom wall; and

a projection extending from the front member and the rear member, the projection having an aperture for allowing the battery package to be hung on a rod;

wherein the battery package can alternatively be positioned on the horizontal surface and be hung on a rod for display purposes.

2. The battery package of claim 1, wherein:

the projection is separate from the rear member and the front member.

3. The battery package of claim 2, wherein:

the projection comprises a principal projection component having a main panel portion and a hanger extension, wherein the main panel portion is substantially rectangular and wherein the hanger portion extends from a top of the main panel portion and includes a first portion of the aperture therein.

4. The battery package of claim 3, wherein:

the projection further comprises a secondary projection portion having an additional main panel portion and a hanger extension connected to the additional main panel portion, the hanger extension includes a a second portion of the aperture therein.

5. The battery package of claim 1, further including:

a resealable closure allowing the front member and the rear member to be maintained in the closed position.

6. The battery package of claim 5, wherein:

the resealable closure comprises engaging surfaces of the front member and the rear member for locking the battery package in the closed configuration.

7. The battery package of claim 6, wherein:

the engaging surfaces each form four sides of a truncated pyramid.

8. The battery package of claim 6, wherein:

the resealable closure further includes a strip of material connected to both the front member and the rear member, with the strip of material including a pull tab extending around a side of the battery package and releasably connected to the front member by a releasable adhesive.

9. (canceled)

10. The battery package of claim 1, wherein:

the support structure comprises a plurality of slots receiving the batteries therein.

11. The battery package of claim 10, wherein:

the plurality of slots comprises a plurality of aligned slots, with each one of the batteries being located in one of the aligned slots.

12. The battery package of claim 11, wherein:

the slots are arcuate and cover more than 180° of a circle.

13. The battery package of claim 1, wherein:

the support structure is located on the rear member.

14-24. (canceled)

25. A battery package comprising:

a front member pivotally connected to the rear member;

batteries in the interior space;

the rear member including a foot comprising an arcuate top wall, a U-shaped wall and a bottom wall, the arcuate top wall extends rearwardly from a bottom of the planar rear wall, the bottom wall extends rearwardly from a top area of the peripheral flange, and the U-shaped wall extends between the arcuate top wall and the bottom wall;

a hanger projection extending from the front member and the rear member, the hanger projection having an aperture for allowing the battery package to be hung on a rod, with the hanger projection being separate from the front member and the rear member such that the hanger projection can be removed from the battery package once the battery package is moved to the open position; and

a resealable closure allowing the front member and the rear member to be maintained in the closed position;

26. The battery package of claim 25, wherein:

the hanger projection extending out a slot located between the front member and the rear member having a portion of the aperture therein.

27. The battery package of claim 26, wherein:

the hangar projection further comprises a secondary projection extending out the slot located between the front member and the rear member, with the secondary projection having a second portion of the aperture therein.

28. The battery package of claim 25, wherein:

29. The battery package of claim 28, wherein:

the engaging surfaces each form four sides of a truncated pyramid.

30. The battery package of claim 28, wherein:

31. (canceled)

32. The battery package of claim 25, wherein:

33. The battery package of claim 32, wherein:

34. The battery package of claim 32, wherein:

the slots are arcuate and cover more than 180° of a circle.