PACKAGING AND MOUNTING HOLDERS FOR ILLUMINATED GIFT PACKAGES, GREETING CARDS AND THE LIKE
United States Patent 3737648
Packaging and mounting holders for the lamp and battery of an illuminated gift package, greeting card or ornament. In one embodiment, the holder is constructed from an elongated, planar, strip of nonconductive material having conductive foil affixed to one side and adhesive means to the other. The strip is creased or scored at selected points along its length, to allow bending of the strip, and has a plurality of circular apertures at selected positions for holding the battery and light bulb. Annular conductive members or rings are disposed in the apertures to insure proper electrical contact of the metallic strip and the battery and lamp. The battery is disposed with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the lamp base, and a cylindrical conductive rod is slidably disposed over the positive terminal of the battery to engage the base and illuminate the lamp. Other embodiments include combined rectangular and tubular-shaped holders and packages, constructed of either metal-coated cardboard or pure metal for storing and mounting the battery and lamp.
US Patent References:
Spare bulb holder for flashlights
Whitman - August 1966 - 3265880
DISPOSABLE POWER SOURCE FOR PROVIDING ILLUMINATION
Franc - August 1970 - 3522426
/3588491.html
Franc - June 1971 - 3588491
ELECTRIFIED PACKAGING ORNAMENT
Franc - March 1970 - 3500035
Battery bulb connection for flashlights
Mosman - July 1963 - 3097799
Spare bulb holder for flashlights
Whitman - August 1966 - 3265880
DISPOSABLE POWER SOURCE FOR PROVIDING ILLUMINATION
Franc - August 1970 - 3522426
/3588491.html
Franc - June 1971 - 3588491
ELECTRIFIED PACKAGING ORNAMENT
Franc - March 1970 - 3500035
Battery bulb connection for flashlights
Mosman - July 1963 - 3097799
Application Number:
05/197711
Publication Date:
06/05/1973
Filing Date:
11/11/1971
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
206/216, 362/208
International Classes:
F21V33/00; F21L15/00
Field of Search:
240/2R,2AD,1R,6.4R,10.6,10.65,10.66 206/45.14
US Patent References:
| 3493103 | CARTON | February 1970 | Cote |
Primary Examiner:
Peters Jr., Joseph F.
Claims:
What is claimed is
1. A mounting holder for the battery and lamp of an illuminated gift package, greeting card or ornament, comprising:
2. The holder as recited in claim 1, wherein a selected one of said apertures further comprises an annular conductive member disposed in said aperture for receiving and electrically coupling the lamp to said conductive strip of material.
3. The holder as recited in claim 2, wherein said adhesive means comprises a rectangular-shaped, elongated, doublesided adhesive strip affixed to the other side of said nonconductive strip.
4. The holder as recited in claim 2 further comprising at least one additional annular conductive member disposed in another selected aperture for holding the battery and electrically coupling said conductive strip to the battery casing.
5. The holder as recited in claim 4, wherein said adhesive means comprises an elongated, rectangular-shaped, doublesided adhesive strip, having a width substantially the same as the diameter of said apertures in said holder, affixed to the other side of said nonconductive strip.
6. The holder as recited in claim 3 further comprising;
7. The holder as recited in claim 5 further comprising;
8. A combined package and mounting holder for the battery and lamp of an illuminated gift package, greeting card or ornament, comprising;
9. The holder as recited in claim 8, wherein said sheet is perforated at a selected point at one end perpendicular to its longitudinal axis for detachably coupling one end of said package for storing the lamp to said sheet, said end portion being removed from said sheet when said package is assembled and affixed to a gift package, greeting card or ornament.
10. The holder as recited in claim 9 further comprising an annular conductive grommet disposed in said aperture, electrically coupled to said sheet of conductive material for receiving and electrically coupling the lamp to said conductive sheet.
11. The holder as recited in claim 10 further comprising a lamp having a threaded base, a rectangular-shaped plastic package for packaging said lamp, having dimensions slightly less than said package and slidably disposed therein, a cylindrical-shaped elongated battery having at least its negative terminal engaging said conductive material on said sheet, and an elongated, conductive cylindrical rod having a circular recess provided at one end thereof, slidably disposed over the positive terminal of said battery, for engaging the base of said lamp when said lamp is disposed in said aperture.
12. The holder as recited in claim 11 further comprising an elongated strip of doublesided adhesive material, affixed to one side of said holder, for securing said holder on a gift package, greeting card or ornament.
13. The holder as recited in claim 9, wherein said sheet comprises a conductive sheet of metallic material.
14. The holder as recited in claim 8, wherein said aperture is disposed in the surface of one of said end flaps.
15. The holder as recited in claim 13, wherein said sheet comprises a conductive sheet of metallic material.
16. A combined packaging and mounting holder for the lamp and battery of an illuminated gift package, greeting card or ornament, comprising:
17. A combined package and mounting holder for the lamp and battery of an illuminated package, greeting card or ornament, comprising:
18. A combined package and mounting holder for the lamp and battery of an illuminated gift package, greeting card or ornament, comprising:
19. A mounting holder for the lamp and battery of an illuminated gift package, greeting card or ornament, comprising:
20. The holder as recited in claim 19 further comprising an elongated, cylindrical-shaped battery, a lamp having a cylindrical base and having first and second contact terminals disposed on the outer surface thereof, and an elongated, cylindrical-shaped rod having a circular recess provided in one end thereof, slidably disposed over the positive terminal of said battery for engaging one of the contact terminals of said lamp and electrically coupling said lamp to said battery, said trapezoidal tab provided on said sheet being inwardly disposed so as to engage the casing of said battery and thereby couple said second contact terminal of said lamp to said battery.
1. A mounting holder for the battery and lamp of an illuminated gift package, greeting card or ornament, comprising:
2. The holder as recited in claim 1, wherein a selected one of said apertures further comprises an annular conductive member disposed in said aperture for receiving and electrically coupling the lamp to said conductive strip of material.
3. The holder as recited in claim 2, wherein said adhesive means comprises a rectangular-shaped, elongated, doublesided adhesive strip affixed to the other side of said nonconductive strip.
4. The holder as recited in claim 2 further comprising at least one additional annular conductive member disposed in another selected aperture for holding the battery and electrically coupling said conductive strip to the battery casing.
5. The holder as recited in claim 4, wherein said adhesive means comprises an elongated, rectangular-shaped, doublesided adhesive strip, having a width substantially the same as the diameter of said apertures in said holder, affixed to the other side of said nonconductive strip.
6. The holder as recited in claim 3 further comprising;
7. The holder as recited in claim 5 further comprising;
8. A combined package and mounting holder for the battery and lamp of an illuminated gift package, greeting card or ornament, comprising;
9. The holder as recited in claim 8, wherein said sheet is perforated at a selected point at one end perpendicular to its longitudinal axis for detachably coupling one end of said package for storing the lamp to said sheet, said end portion being removed from said sheet when said package is assembled and affixed to a gift package, greeting card or ornament.
10. The holder as recited in claim 9 further comprising an annular conductive grommet disposed in said aperture, electrically coupled to said sheet of conductive material for receiving and electrically coupling the lamp to said conductive sheet.
11. The holder as recited in claim 10 further comprising a lamp having a threaded base, a rectangular-shaped plastic package for packaging said lamp, having dimensions slightly less than said package and slidably disposed therein, a cylindrical-shaped elongated battery having at least its negative terminal engaging said conductive material on said sheet, and an elongated, conductive cylindrical rod having a circular recess provided at one end thereof, slidably disposed over the positive terminal of said battery, for engaging the base of said lamp when said lamp is disposed in said aperture.
12. The holder as recited in claim 11 further comprising an elongated strip of doublesided adhesive material, affixed to one side of said holder, for securing said holder on a gift package, greeting card or ornament.
13. The holder as recited in claim 9, wherein said sheet comprises a conductive sheet of metallic material.
14. The holder as recited in claim 8, wherein said aperture is disposed in the surface of one of said end flaps.
15. The holder as recited in claim 13, wherein said sheet comprises a conductive sheet of metallic material.
16. A combined packaging and mounting holder for the lamp and battery of an illuminated gift package, greeting card or ornament, comprising:
17. A combined package and mounting holder for the lamp and battery of an illuminated package, greeting card or ornament, comprising:
18. A combined package and mounting holder for the lamp and battery of an illuminated gift package, greeting card or ornament, comprising:
19. A mounting holder for the lamp and battery of an illuminated gift package, greeting card or ornament, comprising:
20. The holder as recited in claim 19 further comprising an elongated, cylindrical-shaped battery, a lamp having a cylindrical base and having first and second contact terminals disposed on the outer surface thereof, and an elongated, cylindrical-shaped rod having a circular recess provided in one end thereof, slidably disposed over the positive terminal of said battery for engaging one of the contact terminals of said lamp and electrically coupling said lamp to said battery, said trapezoidal tab provided on said sheet being inwardly disposed so as to engage the casing of said battery and thereby couple said second contact terminal of said lamp to said battery.
Description:
The present invention relates to illuminated gift packages, greeting cards and ornaments, and in particular, to packaging and mounting apparatus for storing and mounting the battery and light bulb to be used with the gift package or greeting card.
A battery, light bulb, and mounting apparatus must be furnished with each illuminated gift package, ornament or greeting card. In order to prevent losses during thehandling and sale of these items, and to simplify manufacturing and retailing procedures, it is preferable to supply a package with each gift package, ornament or greeting card in which the battery, light bulb and holder are contained. It is advantageous if the holder also serves as a package for the light bulb and battery, as well as a means for mounting them on the package or card, and if it is easily included with the item sold.
Accordingly, the present invention provides amounting apparatus for the lamp and battery of an illuminated gift package, greeting card or ornament comprising in one embodiment of the invention, an elongated strip of paper material having conductive foil or metal affixed to one side thereof, and adhesive means, such as double stick tape, affixed to the other side thereof. The strip is scored or creased at selected points along its length at which the strip is bent to form a lamp and battery holder. A plurality of circular apertures are provided in the strip for holding the battery and the light bulb, and annular conductive members or grommets are provided in the aperture which receive the light bulb base to ensure proper electrical contact with the metallic strip. The grommets may also be provided in the remaining annular openings provided which hold the battery to ensure proper electrical contact with the strip if the battery used has a metallic casing.
The light bulb and battery are disposed perpendicular to each other in the holder formed by the strip, and the battery has an elongated cylindrical contact members slidably disposed over its positive terminal for engaging the base of the light bulb.
In another embodiment of the invention, the holder comprises a planar, rectangular cardboard member foldable into an elongated rectangular package having flaps provided at each end for storing the lamp and battery before use. The inside of the assembled package is coated with a conductive metallic material, such as foil. An annular aperture and a metallic conductive grommet are provided in the top surface of the package for receiving the base of the light bulb. The battery is disposed in the rectangular package with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the base of the lamp, and has a cylindrical, elongated conductive member slidably disposed over the positive contact terminal thereof, for engaging the base of the lamp. The lamp is packaged in a rectangular, plastic cube and disposed in one end of the package which is detachable from the remaining portion thereof to convert the package into a mounting holder.
In another embodiment of the invention, the package may be a conductive metal rectangular box, or a cylindrical tube having means affixed to the end of the tube for holding the light bulb during storage.
In another embodiment of the invention, a rectangular-shap3d cardboard member is scored or creased to provide five parallel rectangular-shaped panels which fold to provide a holder for the battery and light bulb on a gift package. The center panel on the top part of the holder is provided with an elongated strip of conductive, metallic foil. A circular-shaped aperture and a trapezoidal-shaped aperture are also provided adjacent one another therein. The remaining surface of the holder is blank. On the bottom part of the holder, adhesive is applied to all the panels except the center panel. When folded, the panels of the cardboard holder form a three-sided, rectangular-shaped enclosure, affixed to the package by the two horizontally disposed adhesive end members. The battery is disposed within the rectangular enclosure and held in place by the adhesive material. The trapezoidal-shaped tab is folded underneath the center panel of the holder so that it contacts the battery casing. An elongated, conductive cylindrical rod is slidably disposed over the positive terminal of the battery so that it contacts the base of the lamp, which is disposed through the circular aperture perpendicular to the battery's longitudinal axis.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide packaging and a mounting holder for the lamp and battery of an illuminated gift package, ornament or greeting card.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a combined package and mounting holder for the lamp and battery of an illuminated greeting card, gift package or the like.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide packaging and a mounting holder for the lamp and battery of an illuminated gift package, greeting card or ornament which are simple in design, easy to manufacture and reliable in operation.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended as a definition of the limits and scope of the invention.
Referring to the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting holder for the battery and lamp of and illuminated gift package, greeting card or ornament constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the holder taken along section 2--2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a front, perspective view of the holder illustrated in FIG. 1, shown when assembled;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the holder illustrated in FIG. 3, showing it in use with the lamp and battery mounted therein;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a combined holder and package for the battery and lamp of an illuminated package, greeting card or ornament, constructed in accordance with the present invention.
FIGS. 6 and 6A are perspective views of additional embodiments of the package illustrated in FIG. 5, shown when assembled;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the package and holder illustrated in FIG. 5, shown in its assembled condition with the end thereof detached;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the package illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, showing the lamp packaged and stored in one end of the package;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a combined package and holder constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 10 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of a combined holder and package constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional, side view of the assembled holder illustrated in FIG. 10, showing the lamp and battery disposed therein;
FIG. 12 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of a combined holder and package constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional, side view of the combined holder and package illustrated in FIG. 12, shown when assembled;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a battery and lamp mounting holder constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the holder, taken along section 15--15 of FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the package illustrated in FIG. 14, shown when assembled;
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional, side view of the assembled holder taken along section 17--17 of FIG. 16;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the top surface of another embodiment of a battery and lamp holder constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the holder illustrated in FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the holder of FIGS. 18 and 19, shown when assembled;
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the holder illustrated in FIG. 20, shown attached to an illuminated gift package during use; and
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the holder taken along section 22--22 of FIG. 21.
Referring to the drawings, in particular to FIGS. 1-4, there is shown an elongated, nonconductive rectangular shaped sheet 10, which may be cardboard material, having a doublesided adhesive strip 11 and an elongated strip of metallic conductive material 12 affixed to opposite sides of the sheet. The sheet is scored or creased at selected points 13 along its length perpendicular to its longitudinal axis to enable folding of the strip into the form shown in FIG. 3, for mounting the battery and lamp on a gift package, greeting card or ornament. A plurality of circular apertures 14 are provided in selected positions on the sheet between scoring points 13, for receiving and holding a cylindrical pen-shaped battery 15 therein. In order to insure sufficient electrical contact between metal strip 12 and the battery, battery 15 preferably does not have an external insulating casing. If a battery with a nonconductive casing is used, the negative terminal thereof must contact the back wall 16 of the assembled mounting member formed by the strip. A circular aperture 17, having an annular metallic member 18 disposed therein, is provided adjacent one end of the strip for receiving lamp 19. Battery 15 is disposed in the holder during use with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the lamp base, as shown in FIG. 4. To insure proper contact between the positive terminal of the battery and the base of the lamp, an elongated, cylindrical conductive rod 20 having a circular recess provided in its end, is slidably disposed over positive terminal 21 of battery 15. Member 20 is flexible so that it securely engages the base of lamp 19.
In its planar configuration, the sheet, along with the lamp, battery and rod, may be packaged for combined or separate sale with the gift package, card or ornament. In order to construct the assembled holder, the elongated strip is folded at score points 13 to form the configuration shown in FIG. 3. Double-sided adhesive strip 11 is securely pressed against metallic strip 12 so that the configuration is maintained. Lamp 19 is then screwed into aperture 17 until it contacts conductive rod 20. The lamp is then illuminated, and the assembled holder pressed on the greeting card, gift package or ornament to secure it during use.
In FIGS. 5-8, there is shown a combined package and holder for the battery and lamp of an illuminated gift package, greeting card or ornament. A substantially rectangular sheet 22 of non-conductive material, such as cardboard, has a plurality of end flaps 23 and is scored or creased at selected points 24 along its length to provide a plurality of foldable, elongated rectangular-shaped panels. One end panel 25 is provided with double-sided adhesive material, and the remaining panels are provided with elongated strips of conductive material 26. Flaps 23 also are provided with metallic strips. The sheet is perforated along dotted line 27 as shown in FIG. 5, so that this portion of the package may be detached manually when the holder is assembled for use. A circular aperture 28, having an annular, conductive member 29 disposed therein, is provided in the center panel of the sheet for receiving lamp 30. FIG. 6 illustrates the package and holder in its assembled configuration. Lamp 30 is packaged in a plastic cube 31 whose dimensions are slightly less than the rectangular package from perforation 27 to end flaps 23. During storage of the lamp and battery, the cube is disposed in the end of the package to prevent breakage or loss of the lamp. Battery 32 is disposed in the other part of the package, and has a cylindrical conductive member 33 disposed over its positive terminal for engaging the lamp base when the holder is assembled. When the holder has been assembled and the lamp illuminated, the end of the package in which the cube was disposed is detached, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The holder is then secured on a gift package, greeting card or the like.
In FIG. 6A, the sheet is not perforated and has a smaller length, equal approximately to the length of battery 32. Aperture 28 is provided in flaps 23 for receiving lamp 30, which is threaded into the aperture along the longitudinal axis of the package until it engages the positive terminal of the battery. An annular grommet may be providedto ensure proper electrical coupling of the lamp and battery, but is not necessary if the sheet is constructed of conductive metal.
The package in FIG. 6 may also be constructed entirely of conductive metal, as illustrated in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, aperture 28 does not require an annular conductive member to insure sufficient electrical contact withthe base of lamp 30. The lamp is threaded directly into the aperture provided in the assembled package. The battery and lamp are stored and assembled as illustrated by the dotted lines in FIF. 8.
In FIG. 9, another embodiment of the combined package and holder is illustrated. A conductive, cylindrically-shaped metallic casing 34 has a circular aperture 35 for receiving lamp 30. When the lamp is not in use, it is stored, in a cylindrical plastic container 36 at the closed end 37 of the tube. Battery 32 has cylindrical conductive rod 33 slidably disposed over its positive terminal to engage the base of lamp 30 when it is disposed in aperture 35. Anannular non-conductive cap 41, constructed for example of plastic, has a conical recess 42 for receiving a conductive, conical tubular member 43, which is slidably disposed overthe positive terminal 44 of battery 32. This embodiment insures proper electrical coupling of the base of lamp 30 and the battery since the conductive member is supported at both ends.
It should be noted, that in all of the prev ous embodiments, a battery with or without a non-conductive casing may be utilized. As is obvious from each particular embodiment, a battery with a conductive casing will provide better assurance of proper electrical coupling of the battery and lamp than a battery with a non-conductive casing. However, in all of the embodiments, either type may be used. If a battery with a non-conductive casing is used, its negative terminal must engage a conductive portion of the holder.
In FIGS. 12 and 13, conductive tube 39 illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 is provided with a plastic cap 45 which has a U-shaped, horizontally-disposed receptacle 46 affixed to its outer edge for holding the lamp. A cylindrical conductive rod 47 is disposed over the positive terminal of battery 32, and is disposed in a cylindrical recess 48 provided in the cap. A double-sided strip of adhesive material 49 is affixed to the side of metallic tube 39 so that the assembled structure may be attached to a gift package, card or the like. It should be noted that adhesive strip 49 may be affixed to any one of the previously described embodiments, in order to attach the assembled lamp holders to the packages, cards or ornaments.
In FIGS. 14-17, a lamp and battery holder similar to the holder illustrated in FIG. 1-4 is shown. Non-conductive sheet 50 has a metallic conductive sheet 51 affixed to one surface, and an elongated, strip of double sided adhesive material 52 affixed to the bottom side of the sheet. The width of the strip is approximately equal to the diameter of a plurality of circular apertures 53, provided in the sheet for holding battery 54 during use. Two of the apertures have conductive, annular members 55 disposed therein for insuring proper electrical coupling with strip 51. A battery used in this embodiment must have a conductive casing, since metallic strip 51 lies on the outside of the assembled structure when the strip is folded. Adhesive strip 52 secures both the assembled holder in the position shown in the drawings, and the battery to the back wall of the holder. A cylindrical conductive rod 59, having a circular recess in one end, is slidably disposed over the end of the positive terminal of the battery and engages the base of lamp 58 to electrically couple the lamp and battery.
In FIGS. 18-21, another embodiment of a lamp and battery holder for mounting the lamp on an illuminated gift package or greeting card is illustrated. A rectangular, non-conductive sheet 60 is provided with a circular aperture 61 for receiving lamp 62, and a trapezoidal-shaped aperture 63 disposed adjacent the circular aperture, having a tab 64 which is formed when the aperture is cut in sheet 60. The sheet is creased or scored, so that each side is divided into a plurality of rectangular-shaped panels. The top surface of the sheet has a strip of conductive material 65 affixed to the center panel, and has the remaining panels on the surface of the sheet blank. On the bottom surface, the center panel is blank and the remaining end panels have double-sided adhesive material 66 affixed thereto. When the sheet is folded as illustrated in FIG. 20, the adhesive panels secure battery 67 within the structure formed, and affix the sheet to the package or card. Tab 64 is bent under the top surface of the sheet, and contacts the conductive casing of battery 67 so as to electrically couple metallic strip 65 with the battery. A conductive cylindrical rod 68 is slidably disposed over the positive terminal of the battery, and engages the base of lamp 62 when the lamp is inserted in aperture 61.
In this embodiment, as well as in the previously described embodiments, the lamp used may have a threaded base, or a wedge base having a pair of wire contact terminals as shown in FIG. 20. The lamps are interchangable and either type may be used in any of the holders and packages of the invention. When a lamp is inserted in aperture 61, the circuit is completed and the battery illuminates the lamp to light the package or greeting card. FIG. 21 illustrates the holder when affixed to the top of a gift package 69 over which an illuminated ornament (not shown) is disposed.
While only several embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those persons skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
A battery, light bulb, and mounting apparatus must be furnished with each illuminated gift package, ornament or greeting card. In order to prevent losses during thehandling and sale of these items, and to simplify manufacturing and retailing procedures, it is preferable to supply a package with each gift package, ornament or greeting card in which the battery, light bulb and holder are contained. It is advantageous if the holder also serves as a package for the light bulb and battery, as well as a means for mounting them on the package or card, and if it is easily included with the item sold.
Accordingly, the present invention provides amounting apparatus for the lamp and battery of an illuminated gift package, greeting card or ornament comprising in one embodiment of the invention, an elongated strip of paper material having conductive foil or metal affixed to one side thereof, and adhesive means, such as double stick tape, affixed to the other side thereof. The strip is scored or creased at selected points along its length at which the strip is bent to form a lamp and battery holder. A plurality of circular apertures are provided in the strip for holding the battery and the light bulb, and annular conductive members or grommets are provided in the aperture which receive the light bulb base to ensure proper electrical contact with the metallic strip. The grommets may also be provided in the remaining annular openings provided which hold the battery to ensure proper electrical contact with the strip if the battery used has a metallic casing.
The light bulb and battery are disposed perpendicular to each other in the holder formed by the strip, and the battery has an elongated cylindrical contact members slidably disposed over its positive terminal for engaging the base of the light bulb.
In another embodiment of the invention, the holder comprises a planar, rectangular cardboard member foldable into an elongated rectangular package having flaps provided at each end for storing the lamp and battery before use. The inside of the assembled package is coated with a conductive metallic material, such as foil. An annular aperture and a metallic conductive grommet are provided in the top surface of the package for receiving the base of the light bulb. The battery is disposed in the rectangular package with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the base of the lamp, and has a cylindrical, elongated conductive member slidably disposed over the positive contact terminal thereof, for engaging the base of the lamp. The lamp is packaged in a rectangular, plastic cube and disposed in one end of the package which is detachable from the remaining portion thereof to convert the package into a mounting holder.
In another embodiment of the invention, the package may be a conductive metal rectangular box, or a cylindrical tube having means affixed to the end of the tube for holding the light bulb during storage.
In another embodiment of the invention, a rectangular-shap3d cardboard member is scored or creased to provide five parallel rectangular-shaped panels which fold to provide a holder for the battery and light bulb on a gift package. The center panel on the top part of the holder is provided with an elongated strip of conductive, metallic foil. A circular-shaped aperture and a trapezoidal-shaped aperture are also provided adjacent one another therein. The remaining surface of the holder is blank. On the bottom part of the holder, adhesive is applied to all the panels except the center panel. When folded, the panels of the cardboard holder form a three-sided, rectangular-shaped enclosure, affixed to the package by the two horizontally disposed adhesive end members. The battery is disposed within the rectangular enclosure and held in place by the adhesive material. The trapezoidal-shaped tab is folded underneath the center panel of the holder so that it contacts the battery casing. An elongated, conductive cylindrical rod is slidably disposed over the positive terminal of the battery so that it contacts the base of the lamp, which is disposed through the circular aperture perpendicular to the battery's longitudinal axis.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide packaging and a mounting holder for the lamp and battery of an illuminated gift package, ornament or greeting card.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a combined package and mounting holder for the lamp and battery of an illuminated greeting card, gift package or the like.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide packaging and a mounting holder for the lamp and battery of an illuminated gift package, greeting card or ornament which are simple in design, easy to manufacture and reliable in operation.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended as a definition of the limits and scope of the invention.
Referring to the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting holder for the battery and lamp of and illuminated gift package, greeting card or ornament constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the holder taken along section 2--2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a front, perspective view of the holder illustrated in FIG. 1, shown when assembled;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the holder illustrated in FIG. 3, showing it in use with the lamp and battery mounted therein;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a combined holder and package for the battery and lamp of an illuminated package, greeting card or ornament, constructed in accordance with the present invention.
FIGS. 6 and 6A are perspective views of additional embodiments of the package illustrated in FIG. 5, shown when assembled;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the package and holder illustrated in FIG. 5, shown in its assembled condition with the end thereof detached;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the package illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, showing the lamp packaged and stored in one end of the package;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a combined package and holder constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 10 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of a combined holder and package constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional, side view of the assembled holder illustrated in FIG. 10, showing the lamp and battery disposed therein;
FIG. 12 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of a combined holder and package constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional, side view of the combined holder and package illustrated in FIG. 12, shown when assembled;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a battery and lamp mounting holder constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the holder, taken along section 15--15 of FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the package illustrated in FIG. 14, shown when assembled;
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional, side view of the assembled holder taken along section 17--17 of FIG. 16;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the top surface of another embodiment of a battery and lamp holder constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the holder illustrated in FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the holder of FIGS. 18 and 19, shown when assembled;
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the holder illustrated in FIG. 20, shown attached to an illuminated gift package during use; and
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the holder taken along section 22--22 of FIG. 21.
Referring to the drawings, in particular to FIGS. 1-4, there is shown an elongated, nonconductive rectangular shaped sheet 10, which may be cardboard material, having a doublesided adhesive strip 11 and an elongated strip of metallic conductive material 12 affixed to opposite sides of the sheet. The sheet is scored or creased at selected points 13 along its length perpendicular to its longitudinal axis to enable folding of the strip into the form shown in FIG. 3, for mounting the battery and lamp on a gift package, greeting card or ornament. A plurality of circular apertures 14 are provided in selected positions on the sheet between scoring points 13, for receiving and holding a cylindrical pen-shaped battery 15 therein. In order to insure sufficient electrical contact between metal strip 12 and the battery, battery 15 preferably does not have an external insulating casing. If a battery with a nonconductive casing is used, the negative terminal thereof must contact the back wall 16 of the assembled mounting member formed by the strip. A circular aperture 17, having an annular metallic member 18 disposed therein, is provided adjacent one end of the strip for receiving lamp 19. Battery 15 is disposed in the holder during use with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the lamp base, as shown in FIG. 4. To insure proper contact between the positive terminal of the battery and the base of the lamp, an elongated, cylindrical conductive rod 20 having a circular recess provided in its end, is slidably disposed over positive terminal 21 of battery 15. Member 20 is flexible so that it securely engages the base of lamp 19.
In its planar configuration, the sheet, along with the lamp, battery and rod, may be packaged for combined or separate sale with the gift package, card or ornament. In order to construct the assembled holder, the elongated strip is folded at score points 13 to form the configuration shown in FIG. 3. Double-sided adhesive strip 11 is securely pressed against metallic strip 12 so that the configuration is maintained. Lamp 19 is then screwed into aperture 17 until it contacts conductive rod 20. The lamp is then illuminated, and the assembled holder pressed on the greeting card, gift package or ornament to secure it during use.
In FIGS. 5-8, there is shown a combined package and holder for the battery and lamp of an illuminated gift package, greeting card or ornament. A substantially rectangular sheet 22 of non-conductive material, such as cardboard, has a plurality of end flaps 23 and is scored or creased at selected points 24 along its length to provide a plurality of foldable, elongated rectangular-shaped panels. One end panel 25 is provided with double-sided adhesive material, and the remaining panels are provided with elongated strips of conductive material 26. Flaps 23 also are provided with metallic strips. The sheet is perforated along dotted line 27 as shown in FIG. 5, so that this portion of the package may be detached manually when the holder is assembled for use. A circular aperture 28, having an annular, conductive member 29 disposed therein, is provided in the center panel of the sheet for receiving lamp 30. FIG. 6 illustrates the package and holder in its assembled configuration. Lamp 30 is packaged in a plastic cube 31 whose dimensions are slightly less than the rectangular package from perforation 27 to end flaps 23. During storage of the lamp and battery, the cube is disposed in the end of the package to prevent breakage or loss of the lamp. Battery 32 is disposed in the other part of the package, and has a cylindrical conductive member 33 disposed over its positive terminal for engaging the lamp base when the holder is assembled. When the holder has been assembled and the lamp illuminated, the end of the package in which the cube was disposed is detached, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The holder is then secured on a gift package, greeting card or the like.
In FIG. 6A, the sheet is not perforated and has a smaller length, equal approximately to the length of battery 32. Aperture 28 is provided in flaps 23 for receiving lamp 30, which is threaded into the aperture along the longitudinal axis of the package until it engages the positive terminal of the battery. An annular grommet may be providedto ensure proper electrical coupling of the lamp and battery, but is not necessary if the sheet is constructed of conductive metal.
The package in FIG. 6 may also be constructed entirely of conductive metal, as illustrated in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, aperture 28 does not require an annular conductive member to insure sufficient electrical contact withthe base of lamp 30. The lamp is threaded directly into the aperture provided in the assembled package. The battery and lamp are stored and assembled as illustrated by the dotted lines in FIF. 8.
In FIG. 9, another embodiment of the combined package and holder is illustrated. A conductive, cylindrically-shaped metallic casing 34 has a circular aperture 35 for receiving lamp 30. When the lamp is not in use, it is stored, in a cylindrical plastic container 36 at the closed end 37 of the tube. Battery 32 has cylindrical conductive rod 33 slidably disposed over its positive terminal to engage the base of lamp 30 when it is disposed in aperture 35. Anannular non-conductive cap 41, constructed for example of plastic, has a conical recess 42 for receiving a conductive, conical tubular member 43, which is slidably disposed overthe positive terminal 44 of battery 32. This embodiment insures proper electrical coupling of the base of lamp 30 and the battery since the conductive member is supported at both ends.
It should be noted, that in all of the prev ous embodiments, a battery with or without a non-conductive casing may be utilized. As is obvious from each particular embodiment, a battery with a conductive casing will provide better assurance of proper electrical coupling of the battery and lamp than a battery with a non-conductive casing. However, in all of the embodiments, either type may be used. If a battery with a non-conductive casing is used, its negative terminal must engage a conductive portion of the holder.
In FIGS. 12 and 13, conductive tube 39 illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 is provided with a plastic cap 45 which has a U-shaped, horizontally-disposed receptacle 46 affixed to its outer edge for holding the lamp. A cylindrical conductive rod 47 is disposed over the positive terminal of battery 32, and is disposed in a cylindrical recess 48 provided in the cap. A double-sided strip of adhesive material 49 is affixed to the side of metallic tube 39 so that the assembled structure may be attached to a gift package, card or the like. It should be noted that adhesive strip 49 may be affixed to any one of the previously described embodiments, in order to attach the assembled lamp holders to the packages, cards or ornaments.
In FIGS. 14-17, a lamp and battery holder similar to the holder illustrated in FIG. 1-4 is shown. Non-conductive sheet 50 has a metallic conductive sheet 51 affixed to one surface, and an elongated, strip of double sided adhesive material 52 affixed to the bottom side of the sheet. The width of the strip is approximately equal to the diameter of a plurality of circular apertures 53, provided in the sheet for holding battery 54 during use. Two of the apertures have conductive, annular members 55 disposed therein for insuring proper electrical coupling with strip 51. A battery used in this embodiment must have a conductive casing, since metallic strip 51 lies on the outside of the assembled structure when the strip is folded. Adhesive strip 52 secures both the assembled holder in the position shown in the drawings, and the battery to the back wall of the holder. A cylindrical conductive rod 59, having a circular recess in one end, is slidably disposed over the end of the positive terminal of the battery and engages the base of lamp 58 to electrically couple the lamp and battery.
In FIGS. 18-21, another embodiment of a lamp and battery holder for mounting the lamp on an illuminated gift package or greeting card is illustrated. A rectangular, non-conductive sheet 60 is provided with a circular aperture 61 for receiving lamp 62, and a trapezoidal-shaped aperture 63 disposed adjacent the circular aperture, having a tab 64 which is formed when the aperture is cut in sheet 60. The sheet is creased or scored, so that each side is divided into a plurality of rectangular-shaped panels. The top surface of the sheet has a strip of conductive material 65 affixed to the center panel, and has the remaining panels on the surface of the sheet blank. On the bottom surface, the center panel is blank and the remaining end panels have double-sided adhesive material 66 affixed thereto. When the sheet is folded as illustrated in FIG. 20, the adhesive panels secure battery 67 within the structure formed, and affix the sheet to the package or card. Tab 64 is bent under the top surface of the sheet, and contacts the conductive casing of battery 67 so as to electrically couple metallic strip 65 with the battery. A conductive cylindrical rod 68 is slidably disposed over the positive terminal of the battery, and engages the base of lamp 62 when the lamp is inserted in aperture 61.
In this embodiment, as well as in the previously described embodiments, the lamp used may have a threaded base, or a wedge base having a pair of wire contact terminals as shown in FIG. 20. The lamps are interchangable and either type may be used in any of the holders and packages of the invention. When a lamp is inserted in aperture 61, the circuit is completed and the battery illuminates the lamp to light the package or greeting card. FIG. 21 illustrates the holder when affixed to the top of a gift package 69 over which an illuminated ornament (not shown) is disposed.
While only several embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those persons skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.