Abstract:
An apparatus for storing and dispensing energy cells having a housing with spaced front and rear walls, side walls and a top and a bottom to form an enclosure for containing energy cells. An opening is provided in the front wall of a size to permit a single energy cell to be discharged, the opening having a top portion positioned below the top front edge of an energy cell when the cell is positioned in the upper most position ready for discharge. A platform urges the energy cells upward so the uppermost cell is in a discharge position with the top front edge of the energy cell positioned above the top portion of the opening. The rear wall, top and upper portion of the side wall are cut out to enable a user to engage the rear of the top energy cell to cause its discharge through the opening.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present patent application claims priority from the commonly assigned co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application of Robert C. Hogg, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STORING, MANAGING, AND RAPIDLY DISPENSING ENERGY CELLS” (Ser. No. 61/142,294), filed on Jan. 2, 2009. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to devices and methodologies for storing multiple energy cells, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for storing, managing, and rapidly dispensing energy cells, that are optimized for convenience and ease of use. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The vast majority of the multitude of portable and small electrical and electronic devices, components, and systems (and in some cases even larger systems), as well as virtually all toys with electrical or electronic features, rely on utilization of one or more batteries (or “energy cells”) as their primary source of energy. These energy cells are typically removable and replaceable, so that when the electrical energy stored in the cells is no longer sufficient to power the device or system in question, the depleted cells can be readily removed and replaced with new ones. 
     While disposable energy cells (i.e., cells that are meant to be discarded when they are depleted) are used most commonly, rechargeable energy cells have also gained increased popularity in recent years. Such cells may be recharged a certain number of times after partial or complete depletion, either while remaining in the device itself (provided that the device is equipped with appropriate recharging circuitry and connected to an external power source capable of recharging the cells therein), or, more commonly, the rechargeable energy cells are removed from a device and then placed into a separate charging apparatus (connected to an external power source capable of recharging the cells therein) for a period of time sufficient to regain a desired level of capacity. 
     There is a wide variety of commonly available energy cells based on different battery technologies (some of which offer rechargeability as a feature), including, but not limited to Alkaline, Nickel Cadmium, Lithium, Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), silver oxide, etc. Moreover, the vast majority of the available and most commonly used energy cells, are each associated with an industry standard classification that indicates their size, shape, terminal layout, and electrical characteristics. This classification is typically expressed as an alphanumeric code, such as a one to three letter code for the most commonly used batteries (e.g., AAA, AA, C, and D), but is also expressed in other ways, such as designations of “9-Volt”, “Lantern”, AAAA, A23, CR2, etc. Additionally, miniature or “button” batteries have their own classification codes that start with letters SR, LR, and AG, followed by one or more numbers. It should also be noted that in practical use, the battery classification code, which has several informational items associated therewith, is also commonly referred to as the battery “size”. Therefore, for the sake of convenience, the above-described energy cell classification code will be referred to hereinafter as the “battery size”. It is well known that batteries of certain sizes are in more common use in electrical and electronic products intended for different market segments. For example, AAA and AA batteries are most commonly used in consumer electrical and electronic products and components, and especially in smaller devices, such as personal media players, handheld games, and remote controls, while larger devices (such as portable radios, larger toys, etc.) utilize C and D size batteries. 
     On the other hand many electronic and electrical devices intended for professional use most commonly utilize 9-volt batteries. Yet other types of electrical products, such as flashlights, utilize a wide variety of battery sizes, depending on the flashlight size and its intended usage (personal, home, camping, professional, law enforcement, etc.). 
     Additionally, certain devices have relatively small battery drain characteristics—typically these devices are not in continuous operation during use, only drawing upon a battery charge very briefly, for example in response to a user momentarily activating the device—for example, conventional remote controls can operate for months before requiring battery replacements. However, a majority of electrical and electronic devices typically require replacement batteries after days or even mere hours of usage—either due to their extended continuous operation, or due to a high energy drain per use, or due to a combination of both. Such devices include, by way of example, mechanical toys and certain professional or industrial portable electrical and electronic equipment. 
     As a result of the aforementioned proliferation of electrical and electronic devices requiring various sizes of batteries (e.g., AAA, AA, C, 9-volt, etc.), coupled with relatively short lifetimes with utilization of most electrical and electronic devices, most household, offices, or other facilities must keep a significant number of spare batteries of various sizes on hand. Additionally, travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and professionals working in the field, typically carry a number of spare batteries with them to power their electrical/electronic devices. 
     In vast majority of the cases, regardless of their size, batteries are sold in “blister packs”—thin plastic tray-like containers backed with cardboard, which are inconvenient to store and carry (especially when the packs contain many batteries), and which are essentially useless for storage once opened (e.g., by removing or tearing the cardboard package backing), due to the loss of integrity of the packaging, and due to the difficulty of identifying the stored batteries from the back of a partially torn pack. Of course, carrying an opened blister back poses additional problems, as batteries will certainly fall out and become mixed with other transported items, or lost. 
     Moreover, because many individuals do not always discard depleted batteries (especially if they have been only partially depleted, and/or in view of environmental disposal considerations, etc.), and thus store them along with the fresh ones, carelessly stored depleted batteries may intermix with new ones. Also, when batteries are stored or carried with their terminals exposed, there is the possibility that the terminals would be crossed either by conductive objects (e.g., keys, change, etc.), or even by one another, which would result in rapid discharge, heating up, and even leakage of the affected batteries, if left in such contact over a period of time. 
     An additional challenge exists in storing batteries of multiple sizes in one place, as is typically done—certain battery sizes appear quite similar (e.g., AAA and AA), such that the users may take incorrect size batteries with them. 
     Furthermore, when a number of incomplete battery, packs are stored, especially in large quantities, the total on-hand amount of fresh batteries of each size—may be difficult to quickly ascertain. 
     Additionally, there are quite a few situations in which multiple batteries of specific sizes must be located and dispensed quickly and efficiently, and/or on-hand quantities assessed, often without the benefit of sufficient available light, for example in field situations where the needed batteries must be carried (e.g., during travel, during professional activities (e.g., filming or photographing in the field, or in military, law enforcement, scientific, or medical field operations, etc.), or in other situations during which needed batteries of predefined sizes must be immediately available for dispensing, (e.g., during sound-stage, on-location or studio filming or recording (e.g., audio, video, or A/V recording) sessions, professional photography sessions, etc.). Yet another challenge arises in situations where the person who needs to quickly locate a specific quantity of specific size batteries and prepare them for use only has one hand available, for example if the person is holding a piece of equipment, or if the person&#39;s hand is otherwise occupied (such as during climbing, etc.). The above needs are almost impossible to meet when the batteries are carried loose, in makeshift containers, or even in their original packaging (especially once that packaging has been opened). 
     The above-described challenges of previously known typical approaches to storing, transporting, and “managing” the necessary multitude of energy cells of various sizes in household, professional, and/or industrial settings, and during travel and/or field use, are not exhaustive by any means, and are just representative of the more prevalent problems confronting those who use, and/or who must replace, energy cells frequently and/or in large quantities. To address at least a portion of the above these challenges, a number of solutions for storing and/or dispensing energy cells have been proposed over the years, that may be broadly classified into two broad categories—(1) facility-based solutions for storing and/or dispensing large quantities of energy cells in one location, such as wall-mounted systems (some with gravity-based dispensers), or large storage containers (or furniture drawer inserts), for example having separate sections for batteries of different sizes (in certain cases, the sections being shaped and configured to retain and substantially immobilize batteries of specified sizes therein); and (2) portable/field solutions, most often implemented as simple small lidded plastic containers (e.g., boxes) sized for certain battery sizes (or for more than one size), some of which may include region(s) shaped and configured to store and retain batteries of a specific battery size, either formed into the container itself, and/or into one or more trays (optionally removable from the container), or alternately implemented as elongated cardboard boxes, typically with a tear-away portion exposing an open region large enough to enable a small number of batteries to be removed therefrom at any one time (e.g., by positioning the open region over a person&#39;s hand and shaking out a desired number of batteries). 
     Unfortunately, as can be readily ascertained, most of the aforementioned previously known solutions only address a very small portion of the above-described challenges. While they at least in part solve the problem of mixing multiple battery sizes during storage, and alleviate the need to store or transport batteries in open blister packs, the vast majority of challenges remained unanswered. In particular, none of the aforementioned solutions address the need for quickly identifying battery sizes, quantity on-hand, and/or quickly and easily dispensing multiple batteries of a specific desired size, esp. in lowlight conditions, or where the dispensing individual only has one of their hands available for managing the dispensing of batteries. 
     However, one recent solution attempted to address a larger portion of the challenges associated with storage, management, and dispensing of batteries, than previously known approaches. This solution has been disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 7,287,648, entitled “Battery Holder and Dispenser”, issued Oct. 30, 2007, to Richard Foreman et al (hereinafter, the “&#39;648 Patent”). The &#39;648 Patent discloses various embodiments of a device for holding and dispensing batteries that comprises an elongated “skeletal” structure with multiple individual compartments each configured for releasably storing a single battery of a predefined size in a manner which exposes a portion of the battery to the user&#39;s feel, with each compartment including a releasable retaining element for retaining a battery inserted therein until the element is manually, and individually released by the user separately, or through manipulation of the stored battery to overcome the element&#39;s retaining strength. 
     While the solutions proposed by the &#39;648 patent appear to solve a portion of the above-described challenges (e.g., the problems associated with sorting, storing, and carrying batteries), they only partially address several other challenges, fail to address certain challenges at all, and actually cause additional problems under certain circumstances. Or example, while the &#39;648 patent purports that the holder/dispenser disclosed therein makes batteries easy to dispense therefrom, while holding the device in one hand, that only holds true if one or two batteries are being dispensed—because the batteries are stored in individual compartments along the entire length of the device, the user must change their grip after ejecting only one or two batteries before having to reposition the device to access additional individual battery chambers (increasing the likelihood of the device being dropped). Additionally, while it may be relatively easy for most users of the device of the &#39;648 patent to force one or two batteries out of their individual holding areas past their respective retaining components, for dispensing of multiple batteries, the required repositioning of the device in the user&#39;s hand after each battery ejection will quickly become uncomfortable, or even painful or unworkable for weaker individuals, individuals suffering from fatigue, or those with medical problems (such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.)—at the very least leading to frustration, and/or to inability to continue to operate the device, or quite likely to the device being dropped (an even more likely scenario if the dispenser is wet, and/or if the user&#39;s hands are sweaty or otherwise moist. Because the device of the &#39;648 patent must balance the ease of releasability of each stored cell with the force retaining it in its compartment during use, it is quite likely that if the device is dropped (as may easily happen after continuously using it to dispense multiple cells), at least a portion of the cells are very likely to be undesirably ejected therefrom, and/or to be damaged (due to the fact that all of the stored cells are largely exposed by the structure). 
     Therefore, device of the &#39;648 patent has at least the following serious drawbacks:
         (1) because each battery is stored in its own compartment, dispensing more than one or two batteries at a time can quickly become uncomfortable and/or tiring, requiring continuous repositioning of the device and increasing the likelihood of it being dropped (possibly losing and/or damaging the stored batteries) commensurately with the number of batteries being dispensed;   (2) unless the batteries are held very securely in their compartments (thus exacerbating the problem (1), above), dropping of the device is likely to lead to damage to, and/or to loss of, stored batteries;   (3) just as it is difficult and frustrating to dispense a large number of batteries one at a time, the device is similarly frustrating and difficult to load with new batteries, requiring each loaded battery to be forced past its retaining element in each individual compartment;   (4) the stored batteries are exposed to the elements and to their environment when transported, and are exposed to being damaged or ejected if the device is jostled or dropped;   (5) the skeletal structure of the device offers many protrusions that may snag on a variety of objects interfering with its quick use;   (6) it may difficult to quickly distinguish between batteries of similar sizes (such as AAA and AA) since the user must rely only on seeing the exposed portions of the batteries;   (7) it is difficult to quickly ascertain the quantity on hand of larger capacity devices;   (8) the exposed skeletal nature of the device removes the possibility of adding valuable features thereto, such as battery capacity testing, dispensing assisting light, etc.; and   (9) the exposed skeletal nature and the required structural integrity of the device of the &#39;648 patent makes it unsuitable for retail packaging and/or for disposable device applications.       

     It would thus be desirable to provide an apparatus for storing, managing, and rapidly and easily dispensing multiple energy cells, that is optimized for convenience and ease of use. It would also be desirable to provide an apparatus for storing, managing, and dispensing energy cells that securely stores the cells therein and substantially protects them from impact likely to occur during ordinary use thereof. It would further be desirable to provide an apparatus for storing, managing, and dispensing energy cells that facilitates quick and convenient removal of one or more of the cells from the housing by a user, preferably utilizing only a single hand. It would additionally be desirable to provide an apparatus for storing, managing, and dispensing energy cells that enables quick and easy identification of the size of the cells stored therein, and/or to quickly ascertain the remaining quantity stored. It would moreover be desirable to provide an apparatus for storing, managing, and dispensing energy cells that enables quick and easy loading of one or more replacement cells therein. It would furthermore be desirable to provide an apparatus for storing, managing, and dispensing energy cells that comprises one or more additional features, such as low-light cell quantity and/or size assessment, a dispensing assistance light, other electronic features (e.g., recharging, flashlight, radio, USB recharger, etc.), decorative, promotional, and/or advertising elements on the outer casing, manually activated or automatic rapid indication of each cell&#39;s remaining capacity prior to its ejection by a user, manually activated or automatic indication of each stored cell&#39;s remaining capacity, and/or pocket and/or belt attachment positioned on the housing. It would additionally be desirable to provide an apparatus for storing, managing, and rapidly and easily dispensing multiple energy cells, that is optimized for convenience and ease of use, and that is capable of being fabricated as an inexpensive disposable product, that is preferably suitable for retail packaging. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings, wherein like reference characters denote corresponding or similar elements throughout the various figures: 
         FIG. 1  is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of the inventive apparatus for storing, managing, and rapidly dispensing energy cells; 
         FIG. 2  is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary alternate embodiment of the inventive apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3A-1  is an exemplary cut-away side-view diagram illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of the inventive apparatus for storing, managing, and rapidly dispensing energy cells, shown by way of example during utilization thereof to store energy cells; 
         FIG. 3B-1  is an exemplary cut-away side-view diagram illustrating a top portion of the inventive apparatus of  FIG. 3A-1 , shown by way of example during utilization thereof to dispense an energy cell therefrom; 
         FIG. 3A-2  is an exemplary cut-away side-view diagram illustrating a first alternate embodiment of the second exemplary embodiment of the inventive apparatus of  FIG. 3A-1 ; 
         FIG. 3B-2  is an exemplary cut-away side-view diagram illustrating a top portion of the inventive apparatus of  FIG. 3A-2 , shown by way of example during utilization thereof to dispense an energy cell therefrom; 
         FIG. 3C  is an exemplary cut-away front-view diagram illustrating the inventive apparatus of  FIG. 3A-1 , shown by way of example during utilization thereof to store energy cells; 
         FIG. 3D  is an exemplary front-view diagram illustrating the inventive apparatus of  FIG. 3A-1 , shown by way of example during utilization thereof to store energy cells; 
         FIG. 4A  is an exemplary cut-away front-view diagram illustrating a second alternate embodiment of the inventive apparatus of  FIG. 3A-1 , shown by way of example during utilization thereof to store energy cells; 
         FIG. 4B  is an exemplary front-view diagram illustrating the embodiment of the inventive apparatus of  FIG. 4A , shown by way of example during utilization thereof to store energy cells; 
         FIG. 5A  is an exemplary cut-away front-view diagram illustrating a first alternate embodiment of the inventive apparatus of  FIG. 3A-2 , shown by way of example during utilization thereof to store energy cells; 
         FIG. 5B  is an exemplary side-view diagram illustrating the embodiment of the inventive apparatus of  FIG. 5A , shown by way of example during utilization thereof to store energy cells; 
         FIG. 6  is an exemplary cut-away front-view diagram illustrating a second alternate embodiment of the inventive apparatus of  FIG. 3A-2 , shown by way of example during utilization thereof to store energy cells; 
         FIG. 7  is an exemplary cut-away side-view diagram illustrating a third exemplary embodiment of the inventive apparatus for storing, managing, and rapidly dispensing energy cells, comprising a cell loading assistance feature, shown by way of example during utilization thereof to load energy cells for storage therein; 
         FIG. 8  is an exemplary partial cut-away side-view diagram illustrating a fourth exemplary embodiment of the inventive apparatus for storing, managing, and rapidly dispensing energy cells, comprising multiple cell loading assistance features, shown by way of example during utilization thereof to load energy cells for storage therein; 
         FIG. 9  is an exemplary partial cut-away side-view diagram illustrating a fifth exemplary embodiment of the inventive apparatus for storing, managing, and rapidly dispensing energy cells, comprising multiple cell loading assistance features, shown by way of example during utilization thereof to load energy cells for storage therein; 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are exemplary perspective view diagrams illustrating an exemplary alternate embodiment of the inventive apparatus of  FIG. 9 , shown by way of example during utilization thereof to store energy cells therein; 
         FIG. 11  is an exemplary partial cut-away side-view diagram illustrating a sixth exemplary embodiment of the inventive apparatus for storing, managing, and rapidly dispensing energy cells, comprising multiple cell loading assistance features, shown by way of example during utilization thereof to load energy cells for storage therein; 
         FIGS. 12A-12C  are exemplary diagrams, in various views, of an exemplary product implementation of the inventive apparatus of  FIGS. 3A-2 and 3B-2 ; and 
         FIGS. 13A-13C  are exemplary diagrams, in various views, of an exemplary product implementation of the inventive apparatus of  FIGS. 5A and 5B . 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       The various embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention advantageously address and resolve all of the disadvantages of the previously known and proposed solutions for storing, transporting, and/or managing of energy cells and similar elements. Specifically, the inventive apparatus is optimized for convenience and ease of use in storing, managing, and rapidly and easily dispensing multiple energy cells, and that, in various exemplary embodiments thereof, provides at least the following advantageous features:
         (1) enables secure storage of the cells therein while providing substantial protection them from impact thereto likely to occur during ordinary use thereof;   (2) enables quick and convenient removal of one or more of the cells from the housing by a user, preferably utilizing only a single hand;   (3) enables quick and easy loading of one or more replacement cells therein;   (4) enables quick and easy identification of the size of the cells stored therein, and/or allows a user to quickly ascertain the remaining quantity of cells stored; and   (5) that may be manufactured using a wide variety of inexpensive fabrication techniques.       

       In various embodiments thereof, the novel apparatus for storing, managing and rapidly dispensing one or more energy cells, comprises a generally elongated housing with an internal chamber for storing the cells in one or more substantially parallel stacked positions, a dispensing section configured to enable and facilitate quick and convenient removal of one or more of the cells from the housing by a user (preferably utilizing only a single hand), and also includes a retention/feeding mechanism for (1) retaining the cells in the internal chamber during storage, and, after each cell is removed through the dispensing section, for (2) automatically advancing the remaining cells, and readying the next cell for rapid and easy retrieval. 
       The inventive apparatus securely stores the cells therein, and substantially protects them from impact likely to occur during ordinary use thereof, and, in various embodiments thereof, enables quick and easy identification of the size, and/or assessment of the remaining quantity, of the cells stored therein, enables quick and easy loading of one or more replacement cells therein, and comprises one or more additional features: for example facilitating low-light operation, other electronic features (e.g., recharging, flashlight, radio, USB recharger, etc.), decorative, promotional, and/or advertising elements on the outer casing, indication of the remaining capacity of one or more stored cells. In at least one embodiment thereof, the inventive apparatus is configured for fabrication and use as an inexpensive (and optionally disposable) product for storing, managing and rapidly dispensing one or more energy cells, that is preferably suitable for retail packaging. 
       Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The inventive apparatus for storing, managing and rapidly dispensing stored energy cells therefrom, remedies the flaws and drawbacks of all previously known solutions relating to energy cell storage, management and dispensing, by providing various advantageous embodiments of novel apparatus solutions for storing, managing, and rapidly and easily dispensing multiple energy cells (preferably though one-handed action by the user while retaining the same full grip on the apparatus), that are optimized for convenience and ease of use, that enable secure and substantially protected storage of energy cells, that facilitate quick and easy identification of the size, and/or of the remaining quantity of the cells stored therein, and that allow quick and easy loading of one or more replacement cells therein. 
     In additional/alternate embodiments thereof, the inventive apparatus may also advantageously comprise one or more additional desirable features, including, but not being limited to: a gripping component to facilitate the user&#39;s grip on the apparatus during use, low-light energy cell quantity and/or size assessment, a dispensing assistance light, other electronic features (e.g., recharging, flashlight, radio, USB recharger, etc.), solutions for readily positioning and/or presenting decorative, promotional, and/or advertising elements on the outer casing, advantageous techniques for mass production thereof while retaining low-cost customization capabilities, manually or automatically activated rapid indication of each energy cell&#39;s remaining capacity, prior to its ejection by a user, manually or automatically activated indication of each stored cell&#39;s remaining capacity, and/or pocket and/or belt attachment positioned on the apparatus housing. 
     In yet additional alternate embodiments thereof, the inventive apparatus comprises at least a portion of the various above-described advantageous inventive features, but at the same time is configured to enable fabrication thereof as an inexpensive disposable product, that is also preferably suitable for retail packaging. 
     In brief summary, in at least the majority of various embodiments thereof, the novel apparatus for storing, managing and rapidly dispensing energy cells, comprises a generally elongated housing with an internal chamber for storing the cells in one or more substantially parallel stacked positions, a dispensing section configured to enable and facilitate quick and convenient removal of one or more of the cells from the housing by a user (preferably by utilizing only a single hand), and that also includes a retention/feeding mechanism for retaining the cells in the internal chamber during storage, and, after each cell is removed through the dispensing section, for automatically advancing the remaining cells, and readying the next cell for rapid and easy dispensing from the dispensing section by the user. Various exemplary embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention are shown in  FIGS. 1 to 11 , and described in greater detail below in connection therewith. 
     It should be noted that the various exemplary embodiments of the inventive apparatus, shown in  FIGS. 1 to 11  are shown and described with reference to use in conjunction with energy cells of the illustrated sizes and shapes by way of example only, and are not intended to be limited to utilization solely with energy cells of those specific configurations—the inventive apparatus may be readily sized and configured for use with various energy cells of different sizes and shapes as a matter of design choice, convenience, or necessity, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     It should be also noted that in the various drawing  FIGS. 1-11 , and in accompanying descriptions herein, various inventive apparatus shapes, sizes, as well as the shapes, sizes and designs of various inventive apparatus elements, components and features, that may be provided in accordance with the present invention, are shown by way of example only, and, subjects to specific descriptions herein, shall not serve as a limitation on the type, size or configuration of shapes, elements, components and features that are protected or protectable by the patent claims presented herewith. 
     Furthermore, it is readily contemplated that various embodiments of the inventive apparatus of  FIGS. 1-11 , may be produced from virtually any material, or combination of materials, suitable for use in small portable devices and capable of supporting the minimum necessary structural integrity during storage of cells of appropriate quantity and size therein, and during dispensing and loading of cells of appropriate quantity and size, especially in response to action and forces exerted by the feeding/retaining component of the apparatus during cell dispensing/loading activities. Such materials, capable of being utilized in production of the inventive apparatus may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: plastic (and other materials from the plastic family), polymers, metal, wood, resilient materials (vulcanized rubber, etc.), and/or other equivalent natural or synthetic materials, that may be selected as a matter of design choice, convenience, or necessity, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Advantageously, the above-described materials, or combinations thereof, may be utilized in a wide variety of textures, thicknesses, colors, transparencies, and/or other properties or configurations, as a matter of design choice, convenience, or necessity, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, various embodiments of the inventive apparatus of  FIGS. 1-11  may be fabricated to be disposable in whole or in part (i.e. having only some components that are disposable). The materials for use in such inventive embodiments are preferably inexpensive, but still capable of providing the necessary levels of structural integrity and external/internal impact/shock resistance, for at least the expected lifetime of the disposable inventive apparatus embodiments (which would certainly be much shorter than those of inventive apparatus embodiments intended for long-term use. These materials may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: cardboard, cardstock, thin plastic, plasticard, thin wood, fiberboard, pressed board, etc., that may optionally be reinforced by one or more of the following techniques: corrugation, layering, lamination, and/or impregnation with one or more fortifying substances. An additional advantage of the use of such materials, is that all or a large portion of the inventive disposable apparatus housing may be fabricated as stamped or printed flat sheets that are later folded and configured into the apparatus housing and various components thereof, through locking tab/slot techniques, by use of adhesive or other bonding, or via a combination thereof. Such disposable inventive apparatus configurations may be useful to greatly lower fabrication complexity and cost of the inventive apparatus to enable its use as disposable retail packaging for energy cells (that would be disposed after all of the cells stored therein have been dispensed). For such disposable embodiments of the inventive apparatus, the various openings in the apparatus for dispensing and guiding cells (see  FIG. 2  and accompanying description below), may be sealed initially by removable “tear-away” temporary closure elements, that could later be removed by the user after purchase, to expose the necessary cell dispensing opening/guidance regions. Furthermore, advertising and/or other forms of promotional elements are quite easy and inexpensive to print on one or more surfaces of the future disposable inventive apparatus housing, during fabrication thereof. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary schematic diagram is shown, illustrating a first exemplary broadest embodiment of the inventive apparatus  10  for storing, managing, and rapidly dispensing energy cells  12  (at least one of which is shown, by way of example, as being dispensed). The novel apparatus  10  comprises a generally elongated housing  14 , having an internal structure (not shown) within an elongated central storage section  16 , for storing the cells  12  in one or more substantially parallel stacked configurations (such as shown in various views in  FIG. 3A-1, 3C , or  4 A,), with the cells  12  being oriented to be longitudinally perpendicular to an axis along the longest elongated portion of the housing  14 , a cell dispensing section  20 , positioned above the housing portion  16 , that is configured to enable and facilitate quick and convenient removal of one or more of the cells  12 , from the storage section  16  of the housing  14 , by a user (preferably utilizing only a single hand), additionally assisting in the retention of the cells  12  in the housing  14 , when not being dispensed by the user, and also comprises a cell retention/feeding section  18 , comprising a corresponding retention/feeding component therein (such as shown in  FIGS. 3A-1, 3C, 4A, 5A, 6-9, and 11 ), that is capable of operating within the storage section  16 , up to a position proximal to the dispensing section  20 , and being operable to (1) retain the cells  12  in the internal chamber of the storage section  16  during storage thereof, and, (2) after each cell  12  is removed through the dispensing section  20 , operable, in conjunction with a cell  12  retaining component of the dispensing section  20  (not shown), to automatically advance the remaining cells  12  toward the dispensing section  20 , readying the next cell  12  for rapid and easy dispensing therefrom, but only in response to a dispensing action by the user (described in greater detail below, at least in connection with  FIG. 2 )—absent a dispensing action by the user, the readied cell  12  is substantially retained in its position within the dispensing section  20  during storage and transportation of the device  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exemplary schematic diagram is shown, illustrating an exemplary alternate embodiment of the inventive apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1 , as an inventive apparatus  50  for storing, managing, and rapidly—dispensing energy cells  12 . The most basic configuration of the apparatus  50  is essentially the same as that of apparatus  10  (of  FIG. 1 ), in that it comprises a housing  54  (corresponding to the housing  14  of  FIG. 1 ), having three main sections—a storage section  56  with an internal cell storage structure, a dispensing section  58  above, and a retention/feeding section  60 , below, each substantially corresponding to sections  16 ,  20 , and  18  of  FIG. 1 . The dispensing section  58 , preferably comprises an opening  82  in the housing  54 , positioned, sized, and configured to enable ejection of cells  12  therethrough in response to the user&#39;s dispensing action. Preferably, the user&#39;s dispensing action is enabled through at least one opening in an upper portion of the dispensing section  58 , that enables the user to access and guide, preferably by a single finger (such as the user&#39;s thumb) a cell  12  that has been automatically positioned and readied for dispensing, through the opening  82 . In one embodiment of the inventive apparatus  50 , the cell access/guide opening comprises an elongated opening  84   a , defined along the top edge surface of the dispensing section  58 , sized, configured and positioned, to enable the user to guide the cell  12  readied for dispensing, through the opening  82  using their finger. 
     Optionally, the cell access/guide opening comprises an open corner region  84   b  that provides the user with a greater degree of access to, and control over, the readied cell  12 . Alternately, the cell access/guide opening may comprise a combination of the open regions  84   a  and  84   b . The specific size, position, and configuration of the open cell access/guide regions  84   a  and/or  84   b , are preferably selected to advantageously balance the degree of dispensing guidance and control over the readied cell  12  made available to the user, with the degree to which the readied cell  12  is retained inside the dispensing region  58 , and the resistance of the retained cell  12  to various forces capable of undesirably ejecting it from the apparatus  50  unintentionally and/or accidentally. 
     Moreover, the apparatus  50 , preferably comprises additional advantageous components and elements that may include, but that are not limited to, at least one of the following:
         A user-retractable retention/feeding component  62 , positioned in the retention/feeding section  60 , but extendable into the storage section  56 , that is optionally releasably lockable in a retracted position (e.g., to facilitate loading of cells  12  into the storage section  56 ) by use of an optional lock/release control  64  operable by the user;   An optional exterior surface region  66 , positioned on at least one of the outer surfaces of the housing  54 , configured for providing thereon at least one of:
           easily visible indicator(s) of the size of the cells  12 , for which the apparatus  50  is intended,   decorative, promotional, and/or advertising elements,   a pocket and/or belt attachment, and   an optional visual indicator of the current number of cells  12  stored in the storage section  56 , such as an elongated open slot  68 , a series of openings  70   a  (and optionally  70   b ), aligned with predetermined positions of stored cells  12  (or optionally comprising high visibility indicators showing therethrough that are each only actuated when a cell is stored at a corresponding position within the storage region  56 , or having portions of the region  66  being transparent or translucent, at least partially displaying the stored cells  12  therethrough. Optionally, any of the above indicators may additionally include displayed numeric information for each predetermined stored cell  12  position, that, at a glace, clearly indicates the actual number of stored cells  12  at that time;   
           Optionally, one or more additional features component  74 , positioned along at least one outer surface of the housing  54  (shown and positioned, by way of example only, in a frontal region  72  of the housing  54 ). The features component  74  may comprise any component ranging from a structural component, such as a front grip component operable to increase the strength and/or the comfort of the user&#39;s grip of the housing  54 , when the apparatus  50  is held by the user, to a set of electronic components providing additional optional features to the apparatus  50 , such as one or more of the following:
           A low-light energy cell  12  quantity and/or size assessment component (for example that illuminates (e.g., via LEDs)) elements  70   a ,  70   b  that correspond to the positions of stored cells  12 ,   a dispensing assistance light (such as a light  216  of  FIGS. 4A-4B ),   a component to enable manually or automatically activated rapid indication of each energy cell  12  remaining power capacity (for example, via a proportionally intense illumination of an indicator  70   b ), prior to its ejection by a user,   a component to enable manually or automatically activated indication of each stored cell  12  remaining power capacity (for example via a proportionally intense illumination of an indicators  70   a ,  70   b ), and/or   other electronic features (e.g., recharging, flashlight, radio, USB recharger, etc.); and/or   
           Optionally, one or more supplemental features component(s)  78 , positioned along at least one top or bottom outer surfaces of the housing  54  (shown and positioned, by way of example only, in a top region  76  of the housing  54 ). The supplemental features component  78  may comprise any of the features listed above, in connection with the optional component  74 , but may alternately comprise an power interface operable to connect to an external connector  80 , that may:
           enable the cells  12  stored in the apparatus  50  to be recharged from an external power source,   provide power to an external device (not shown) from a predetermined number of cells  12  stored in the apparatus  50 , and/or   provide one or more other power-interface related features to the apparatus  50 .   
               

     Referring now to  FIG. 3A-1 , an exemplary cut-away side-view diagram is shown, illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of the inventive apparatus for storing, managing, and rapidly dispensing energy cells, shown as apparatus  100 , comprising a housing  104 , with an internal region  105  for storing cells  102   a  to  102   x , a cell dispensing opening  106 , a cell guidance opening  108 , as well as a feeding/retention component  110 , comprising by way of example, a platform  110   a , sized and configured to feed and push forward a stack of cells  102   a  to  102   x  toward the upper portion of the housing  104  through the force, exerted into that direction, by a resilient force element  110   b  (such as a one or more springs, compressed gas piston, compressible rubber, coil, etc). Advantageously, the apparatus  100  also includes a cell retaining element  112 , for example configured as ramp extending at least in part across the narrower cross-section of the housing  104 , and positioned above the dispensing opening  106  and in front of the guidance opening  108 , and further sized and configured, such that a readied for dispensing cell  102   a  is retained within the housing  104  during carrying and storage of the apparatus  100 , even during undesired events, such as the apparatus  100  being dropped, but, at the same time being operable to guide the cell  102   b  though the opening  106  in response to the user&#39;s dispensing action through the opening  108 , to facilitate the dispensing of the cell  102   a  by the user through the opening  106  an exemplary operation shown in  FIG. 3B-1 . p It should be noted, that the cell dispensing opening  106  of the apparatus  100 , may be sized and shaped in a different manner from that shown in  FIGS. 3A-1 and 3B-1 , to better facilitate the loading and dispensing of stored energy cells  102   a  to  102   x , as a matter of design choice, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the cell dispensing opening  106  may be circular in shape (for example, sized and configured to dispense cells  102   a  to  102   x  having circular cross-sections). 
     It should also be noted, that the cell guidance opening  108  of the apparatus  100 , may be sized and shaped in a different manner from that shown in  FIGS. 3A-1 and 3B-1 , to better facilitate the loading and dispensing of stored energy cells  102   a  to  102   x , as a matter of design choice, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, referring now to  FIGS. 3A-2 and 3B-2 , an alternate embodiment of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 3A-1  is shown as an apparatus  100 ′, comprising a cell guidance opening  108 ′ that is significantly larger, and differently shaped, from the cell guidance opening  108  of  FIG. 3A-1 . While the expanded opening  108 ′ provides some exposure of the “next-to-be-dispensed” cell  102   a  during storage thereof, as is illustrated in  FIG. 3B-2 , the size and shape of the opening  108 ′ further facilitates more comfortable and rapid dispensing of cells  102   a  to  102   x  from the apparatus  100 ′. Similarly, the expanded opening  108 ′ provides for more comfortable and rapid loading of cells  102   a  to  102   x  into the apparatus  100 ′. Each of the cells  102   a  to  102   x  has an axis of elongation “A” as shown in  FIG. 3A-2 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12A-12C , exemplary diagrams, in various views, are shown, illustrating an exemplary product implementation of the inventive apparatus  100 ′ of  FIGS. 3A-2 and 3B-2 , as an apparatus  1000 , having a cell dispensing opening with a circular cross-section, and that, by way of example, further incorporates the optional visual indicators of the current number of cells stored therein, such as the indicators  70   a ,  70   b  of apparatus  40  of  FIG. 2 , that also indicate the maximum cell storage capacity thereof. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3C , an exemplary cut-away front-view diagram is shown, illustrating the inventive apparatus  100  of  FIG. 3A-1 , by way of example, during utilization thereof to store energy cells  102   a  to  102   x , while  FIG. 3D  shows an exemplary front-view diagram illustrating the inventive apparatus  100  of  FIG. 3A-1 , supplied with an optional improved grip/traction element  114  (such as shaped/textured, and/or rubberized grip positioned on at least the outer front surface of the housing  104 ), to improve the grip of the user during utilization of the apparatus  100  during dispensing of the cells therefrom. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , exemplary cut-away and full front-view diagrams, respectively, are shown, illustrating a second alternate embodiment of the inventive apparatus  100  of  FIG. 3A-1 , as an apparatus  200  having components and elements  204  to  214 , generally corresponding to components and elements  104  to  114  of  FIGS. 3A-1, 3B-1  (except that element  212   a  corresponds to element  112  of  FIG. 3A-1 ), but that stores cells  202   a  to  202   x  in a staggered stack, enabling the housing  204  to be of a shorter height than would otherwise be necessary, and increasing the transverse thickness thereof. The apparatus  204  further comprises a transverse cell alignment element  212   a  that ensures that the cell  202   a , readied for dispensing is properly aligned with the dispensing opening  206 , the cell retaining element  212   b , and the guidance opening  208 . As a result, the cell alignment element  212   a  provides sufficient space at the upper portion of the housing  204  to house one or more useful electronic components, for example, as described above in connection with  FIG. 2 . By way of example, one such component may be a dispensing guidance light  216  positioned proximal to the dispensing opening  206  to assist the user in dispensing cells from the apparatus  200  during dark or low-light conditions. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , exemplary cut-away and full front-view diagrams illustrating a first alternate embodiment of the inventive apparatus  100 ′ of  FIG. 3A-2 , is shown, by way of example only, as an apparatus  300 . The apparatus  300  is configured for storing 9 Volt energy cells  302   a  to  302   x , and includes various components and elements,  304 , and  310   a - 312 , that essentially correspond to, and are equivalents of, elements  104  to  106  and  110   a - 112 , of the apparatus  100 ′ of  FIG. 3A-2 . The cell dispensing opening  306  and cell guidance opening  308  of the apparatus  300 , also correspond to the cell dispensing opening  106 , and cell guidance opening  108 ′ of the apparatus  100 ′ of  FIG. 3A-2 , except that the cell dispensing and guidance openings  306 , and  308 , respectively, are sized and configured to dispense and facilitate guidance of cells  302   a  to  302   x , which have a different size and cross-section from cells  102   a  to  102   x  of  FIG. 3A-2 . 
     It should also be noted, that in practice, the various embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention (and especially the housing component thereof) can be fabricated using a wide variety of different manufacturing techniques, without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, referring now, to apparatus  300  of  FIGS. 5A to 5B , the housing  304  may be fabricated by attaching two sections to one another—a frontal section  304   a , comprising the cell dispensing opening  306 , and a rear section  304   b , comprising the cell guidance opening  308 . The sections  304   a  and  304   b  may be attached to one another using one or more techniques, that include, but that are not limited to, at least one of the following: snap-fit, fusing, adhesive, and/or assembly utilizing screws with matching posts having longitudinal screw-receiving channels therein. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13A-13C , exemplary diagrams, in various views, are shown, illustrating an exemplary product implementation of the inventive apparatus  300  of  FIGS. 5A and 5B , as an apparatus  1050  configured for storing 9 Volt energy cells, that, by way of example, further incorporates the optional visual indicators of the current number of cells stored therein, such as the indicators  70   a ,  70   b  of apparatus  40  of  FIG. 2 , that also indicate the maximum cell storage capacity thereof. The apparatus  1050  further illustrates, by way of example, a two-part “front and back” housing construction configuration, shown in  FIG. 5B , above, as housing  304 , that comprises housing sections  304   a  and  304   b.    
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an exemplary cut-away front-view diagram illustrating a second alternate embodiment of the inventive apparatus  100 ′ of  FIG. 3A-2 , is shown, by way of example only, as apparatus  400 . The apparatus  400  is configured for storing energy cells  402   a  to  402   x  that are larger (i.e. that have larger diameter) than cells  102   a  to  102   x  of  FIG. 3A-2 , but includes various components and elements,  404 , and  410   a - 412 , that essentially correspond to, and are equivalents of, elements  104  to  106  and  110   a - 112 , of the apparatus  100 ′ of  FIG. 3A-2 . The cell dispensing opening  406  and cell guidance opening  408  of the apparatus  400 , also correspond to the cell dispensing opening  106 , and cell guidance opening  108 ′ of the apparatus  100 ′ of  FIG. 3A-2 , except that the cell dispensing and guidance openings  406 , and  408 , respectively, are sized and configured to dispense and facilitate guidance of cells  402   a  to  402   x , which have a different (e.g., a larger) size (i.e., cross-sectional diameter) than cells  102   a  to  102   x  of  FIG. 3A-2 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an exemplary cut-away side-view diagram is shown, illustrating a third exemplary embodiment of the inventive apparatus for storing, managing, and rapidly dispensing energy cells, as an apparatus  500 , that is substantially similar to the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 3A-1  (and having components and elements  504  to  508 , corresponding to components  104  to  108  of  FIG. 3A-1 ), but that comprises a novel feeding/retaining component  510  having an advantageous cell loading assistance feature. While the component  510  comprises a platform  510   a  and a force element  510   b , corresponding to elements  110   a  and  110   b  of  FIG. 3A-1 , the platform  510   a  is preferably connected to a sliding track element  510   c  that guides a user-operable retraction element  510   d , attached to the platform  510   a  via a connector  510   e , along the length of the housing  504  toward the lowermost position  510   g  of the platform  510   b , representing the most retracted position of the component  510 , corresponding to the maximum capacity of the cell storage in the housing  504 . Advantageously, to load the apparatus  500  with one or more fresh cells  502   a , the user may utilize the retraction element  510   d  to retract the platform  510   b  to allow sufficient space to receive the one or more new cells  502   a  in the cell storage area of the housing  504 . Optionally, the component  510  may be provided with a releasable locking element  510   f , that may be selectively operated by the user to lock the retracted platform  510   b  in its lowermost position  510   g , and/or alternately, that may be used to lock the platform  510   b  in one or more other partially retracted positions. The cells  502   a  to  502   x  may be fed into apparatus  500  one at a time by inserting them into the opening  506 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , an exemplary partial cut-away side-view diagram is shown, illustrating a fourth exemplary embodiment of the inventive apparatus for storing, managing, and rapidly dispensing energy cells, shown by way of example, as an apparatus  600 , comprising multiple cell loading assistance features. The apparatus  600  is substantially similar to the apparatus  500  of  FIG. 7 , in that it comprises a user-retractable and preferably user-lockable feeding/retaining component  610 , corresponding to the component  510  of  FIG. 7 , and various elements thereof, except that rather than having to feed the new cells through its dispensing opening  606 , the apparatus  600  comprises at least one openable, or removable side panel  612 , exposing a substantial portion of the cell storage compartment  614  for rapid loading (or optionally removal) of multiple cells  602   a  therein. The panel  614  is shown to be one of the large side panels of the housing  604  by way of example, and may comprise both side large panels of the housing, or one of the narrow edge panels (not shown), or a combination of one of the edge panels and one of the large side panels, sized and configured to provide sufficient access to the cell storage compartment  614  for rapid loading therein, and/or removal therefrom of cells  602   a . The side panel  612  may be hinged to swing open from the housing  604  (shown as configuration A), may completely removable from the housing  604  (shown as configuration B), or may slide to a predetermined open position, or completely slide off from the housing  604  (shown as configuration C). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , an exemplary partial cut-away side-view diagram is shown, illustrating a fifth exemplary embodiment of the inventive apparatus for storing, managing, and rapidly dispensing energy cells, shown as an apparatus  700 , comprising multiple cell loading assistance features. The apparatus  700  is similar at least in part to the apparatus  600  of  FIG. 8 , in that it comprises a user-retractable and preferably user-lockable feeding/retaining component  710 , corresponding to the component  610  of  FIG. 8 , and various elements thereof, except that rather than having to open or remove one or two side/edge panels  612  to access the cell storage area  614  to place new cells therein, or to remove cells therefrom, the apparatus  700  comprises a sliding sleeve  712  that is operable to slide open to expose the cell storage interior portions of the housing  704 , to a predetermined “open” position, or that may be completely removed from the apparatus  700  (and optionally replaced with a differently configured and/or embellished sleeve). The sleeve  712  may comprise an edge opening  712   a  for enabling the retraction element  710   d  to slide along the side of the housing  704 , when the sleeve  712  is in a closed position. Preferably, the apparatus  700  also comprises a releasable sleeve locking component  714 , operable to interface with and lock with a user-operable sleeve release element  712   b , such that when the sleeve  712  is slid to its closed position, the release element locks with the locking component  714  to retain the sleeve  712  in its closed position during normal use of the apparatus  700 , until the user releases it for opening by engaging the release element  712   b . The housing  740  preferably comprises a lower portion  704   b  containing the main portion of the feeding/retention component  710 , and the cell holding structure  704   a , enclosed by the sleeve  712  during normal use, which may be a drawer-like structure with one open side, or which may have two open sides, or which may be a lattice-type infrastructure sufficient to support the loaded cell therein while the sleeve  712  is opened or removed. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , exemplary perspective view diagrams are shown, illustrating an exemplary alternate embodiment of the inventive apparatus  700  of  FIG. 9 , shown by way of example as an apparatus  800  shown in a closed position in  FIG. 10A , and in a partially open position in  FIG. 10B . The apparatus  800  is substantially similar to the apparatus  700  of  FIG. 9 , except that it may further comprise one or more additional elements  816 ,  818 , and/or  820 , substantially corresponding to elements  68 ,  66 , and  70   a ,  70   b  of  FIG. 2 , respectively. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , an exemplary partial cut-away side-view diagram is shown, illustrating a sixth exemplary embodiment of the inventive apparatus for storing, managing, and rapidly dispensing energy cells, shown as an apparatus  900 , comprising multiple cell loading assistance features. The apparatus  900  is similar in configuration to the apparatus  700  of  FIG. 9 , except that the sleeve  912  is not removable from the apparatus  900 , and slides toward the feeding/retaining component  910 , as opposed to toward the cell dispensing area (as does the sleeve  712  of  FIG. 9 ). Advantageously, the sleeve  912  is connected to the platform  910   a  via a connector  910   d  such that the force of the force element  910   b  normally keeps the sleeve  912  in a closed position, and such that when the sleeve  910  is operated by the user to move into an open position, such operation exposes the housing  904  internal cell storage region  904   b , and simultaneously retracts the platform  910   a , enabling easy loading and removal of cells  902   a  to  902   c . Preferably, releasable locking element  910   f  of the component  910  is operable to releasably lock with element  910   g  of the sleeve  912 , such that when the sleeve  912  is fully retracted, the elements  910   f  and  910   g  releasably interlock, causing the sleeve  912  to remain in its open position, while the platform  910   a  is fully retracted, allowing a maximum level of user access to the cell storage region  904   b . By engaging the element  910   g , the user is able to release the sleeve  912  from its locked open position and enable the action of the force element  910   b  to return the sleeve  912  to its closed position. 
     Thus, while there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the inventive system and method as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices and methods illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.