Abstract:
A package system for a data logger utilizing a base member which is capable of underlying the data logger. A first flap is movably connected to the base member and overlies the data logger. The first flap possesses an aperture for viewing certain signal generating items and switches and allows access to a vent on the data logger. A second flap is also movably connected to the base member and overlies the first flap. A second aperture is smaller than the first aperture, but still permits viewing of certain signal generating portions of the data logger. Means is also provided for mechanically and electrically accessing the data logger for the purpose of inputting and outputting data.

Description:
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/111,290, filed Jul. 7, 1998 U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,298. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a novel and useful system for providing a package for a data logger. 
     Data loggers are employed in many industries to ascertain environmental parameters such as temperature, pressure, humidity, and the like over a period of time. In many cases, data loggers include memory chips or strip charts for electronic recording. Typically, data loggers include probes or sensors which measure product environmental parameters and are connected to the data logger. In addition, the body of the data logger itself may include sensors to detect conditions, such as humidity, which do not require a probe. Moreover, data loggers are capable of downloading such data through a mechanical multi-pin connector an infrared or RF transmitter, and the like, normally found in a PC system to permit processing through a data base. 
     Typically, data loggers must be protected from mechanical abuse during usage to ensure accurate recording of environmental data. After recording such data, data loggers are often required to be repackaged and mailed to a central site for downloading or reprocessing. 
     A package system for a data logger which protects a data logger during usage and yet permits ready access to the same for recording environmental parameters would be a notable advance in the instrument field. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention a novel and useful package system for a data logger is herein provided. 
     The package system of the present invention utilizes a base member which generally serves as a platform that underlies or supports the data logger when placed on a horizontal surface. The base member may take the form of a plate-like structure. 
     A first flap is movably or rotatably connected to the base member to permit the first flap to overlie the base member and the data logger. The first flap includes a relatively large first aperture which permits viewing of certain portions of the data logger when the first flap is rotated into position over the data logger. For example, activation switches, signal generating portions indicating activation of the data logger, visual alarms indicating exceeding of certain parameters, and the like. The first flap forms a container with an inner chamber for at least partially enclosing the data logger. The data logger may be fastened within the first chamber by use of fasteners, adhesives, and the like between the data logger and the base member. 
     A second flap, also movably or rotatably connected to the base member, overlies the first flap. The second flap includes a second aperture for viewing only the signal generating portion of the data logger. A space or cavity is formed by the first and second apertures of the first and second flaps to provide a passageway through the second aperture to the surface of the data logger. Such convective or fluid access to the data logger allows sensors in the data logger itself to readily react to the environmental conditions in which the data logger is placed. 
     In addition, the container formed by the first flap forms a container which at least partially encloses the data logger. Means is also provided for electrically, and mechanically accessing the data logger in the chamber formed by the container. Such electronic accessing means may include a first opening or first and second openings at opposite ends of the chamber. In this regard, sensors may be electrically or mechanically connected into the data logger and conductors may be extended therefrom for use with terminal probes, such as temperature probes. In addition, a multi-pin connector, or infrared RF transmitter/receiver may be employed to download the data logger through one of the openings. Moreover, means is also provided for holding an elongated probe within the chamber formed by the base member and the first flap. Such means may take the form of a space or well located at the side of the data logger. Where multiple probes are employed, spaces may be provided on either side of the data logger within the chamber of the container. 
     Following employment of the data logger, first and second flaps may be sealed and end tabs may be employed to enclose the first and second openings used for the electrical and mechanical access to the data logger. When such a process is performed, the package becomes a mailing container. Indicia pertaining to mailing as well as bar code information may be found on one side of the mailing container. Thus, the enclosed data logger can be sent to a processing center for downloading and recycling or reprocessing. 
     It may be apparent that a novel and useful package system for a data logger is herein provided. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a package system for a data logger which is capable of protecting a data logger from mechanical abuse and still permits electrical access to the data logger for recording environmental parameters and downloading of the same. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a package system for a data logger which is capable of storing and permitting retrieval of data recording probes. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a package system for a data logger which permits the user to ascertain activation and operation of the data logger while the data logger is protected by the system of the present invention. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a package system for a data logger which includes provision of wire connected probes and also provides fluid or convective access to the data logger while protected by a container. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a package system for a data logger which may be converted into a mailing package following use of the data logger in a transportation vehicle. 
     The invention posses other objects and advantages especially as concerns particular characteristics and features thereof which will become apparent as the specification continues. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the package system of the present invention in its open configuration. 
     FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the package system of the present invention after one flap has been moved over the data logger. 
     FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the package system of the present invention where the second flap has been placed over the first flap. 
     FIG. 4 is a right side end view of the configuration of the data logger depicted in FIG. 2 taken along line  4 — 4  of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 5 is a left side end view of the configuration of the system of the present invention taken along line  5 — 5  of FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the package system of the present invention in its mailing configuration. 
     FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line  7 — 7  of FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of FIG. 7 showing the upper portion thereof and illustrating fluid access to the data logger. 
    
    
     References made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which should be taken in conjunction with the prior described drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Various aspects of the present invention will evolve from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which should be read in conjunction with the prior described drawings. 
     The invention as a whole is shown in the drawings by reference character  10 . The package system  10  includes a one piece blank  12  which may be composed of paper, plastic, wood, or any other semi-rigid or rigid material. Blank  12  includes as one of its elements a base member  14  which underlies a data logger  16 . Base member includes a central portion  18  and end tabs  20  and  22 . Data logger may be of the type sold under the Trademark FLASH LINK by DeltaTRAK, Inc. of Modesto, Calif. Normally, data logger  16  may also be referred to as an in-transit recording device employed for the purpose of obtaining environmental parameters such as temperature, pressure, humidity, and the like over a period of time. Typically, such periods of time correspond to journeys or trips by transportation vehicles such as trucks, trains, boats, planes, and the like. In many cases, such transportation vehicles carry cargo which must be kept within certain environmental parameters. Data logger  16  provides an historical record of such parameters as proof that damage to the cargo has not occurred by exceeding any of such environmental parameters. For example, it may be important that produce be kept below a certain temperature during a trip. 
     FIG. 1 further illustrates the structure of system  10  in which a first flap  24  is movably or rotatably connected to base member  14 . Throughout the drawings, alternating dash and dot lines generally indicate fold lines of system  10 . First flap  24  is provided with an aperture  26  of relatively large configuration. In addition, base member  14  includes a second flap  28  possessing a second aperture  30  of relatively small size. Both first aperture  26  and second aperture  30  pass completely through first flap  24  and second flap  28 , respectively. The significance of the arrangement of first and second flaps  24  and  26 , as well as first and second apertures  26  and  30 , will become apparent as the specification continues. 
     Data logger  16  is also depicted in a configuration atop base member  14  as having a multi-pin connector  32  for accepting a multi-pin jack  34  typically used with a PC device. The interconnection of jack  32  and connector  34  permits downloading of data from data logger  16 . In addition, probes, or sensors,  36  and  38  are shown beside data logger  16  atop base member  14 . Such probes may be employed to record temperature and the like. Wires  40  and  42  jacked into data logger  16  permit extension of probes  36  and  38 , respectively from data logger  16 . In certain cases, wires (shown schematically) may extend three to five feet from data logger  16 . The top portion  44  of data logger  16  possesses a signal generating portion  46 , which, in the present embodiment, includes lamps  48  and  50  that may be used to indicate activation of data logger  16 , as well as an alarm showing that a parameter, such as temperature, has been exceeded in the environment where data logger  16  has been placed. Other visual elements may suffice for signal generating portion, such as LCD displays. Activation switch  52  permits the user to start data logger by pressing the same. In addition, vent  54  connects to a sensor within data logger  16  (not shown) to allow the recording of relative humidity. Label  56  allows the user to mark identifying indicia on data logger  16 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, it may be observed that first flap  24  has been folded or rotated over base member  14  and data logger  16 . Aperture  26  permits the viewing of signal generating portion  46  and allows the user to press activation switch  52 , prior described. Humidity vent  54  and label  56  are also accessible. At this juncture, base member  14  and first flap  24  form a container  58  with an inner chamber  60 , best shown in FIG.  4 . In this regard, directional arrow  62  indicates the direction of moving or rotating of first flap  24 . 
     Viewing now FIG. 3, with FIGS. 4 and 5, it may be apparent that second flap  28  has been rotated over first flap  24 . Although switch  52  is covered by second flap  28  second relatively small aperture  30  permits the user to view signal generating portion  46 . Directional arrow  64  of FIG. 4 shows the movement of second flap  28  in this regard. With further reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, it may be observed that means  66  is depicted for electrically, and mechanically accessing data logger  16 . Means  66  may take the form of openings  68  and  70  on either end of container  58 . For example, opening  68  permits multi-pin jack  32  to be engaged by connector  34 , as previously noted. In addition, opening  68  may serve to permit data transfer via an infrared, RF or similar transmitter/receiver system. Opening  70  allows probes  36  and  38  to be extended from data logger  16  and also permits the interconnection of jacks  72  and  74  to data logger  16  at the termini of wires  40  and  42 , respectively. 
     FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate means  76  for fluid or convective access to data logger  16 . Means  76  includes a passage way  78  which extends through apertures  30  and  26  to relative humidity vent  54 . Directional arrow  80  indicates a typical path of ambient air to vent  54 , in this regard. Thus, the combination of flaps  24  and  28  form a cavity  83  above surface  44  of data logger  16  to prevent inadvertent sealing of vent  54  during use. Returning to FIG. 5, it should be noted that adhesive layers  81  or other fastening means holds data logger  16  to base  14  to prevent movement of the same within chamber  60 . 
     FIG. 6 represents the configuration of system  10  in which flaps  24  and  28  have been overlain and tabs  20  and  22  have been tucked into container  58  to shut openings  68  and  70 . The configuration shown in FIG. 6 is essentially a rectangular box that is ready to be mailed. FROM indicia  82  and TO indicia  84  are schematically depicted on bottom surface  86 . An opening  88  through bottom  86  reveals a bar code  90  printed on data logger  16 . 
     In operation, the user places data logger  16  on base member  14  and holds the same there with fastener  81 . Probes  36  and  38  are tucked into side portion of data logger  16 . Flap  24  is then rotated over data logger  15  to form container  58  with inner chamber  60 . Also, means  92  for holding probes  36  and  38  is formed, Large aperture  26  of flap  24  permits the user to mark indicia on label  56  and to contact activation switch  52  for data logger  16 . Second flap  28  is then rotated over first lap  24 , FIGS. 3,  4 , and  5 , such that small second aperture  30  only reveals signal generating portion  46  of data logger  16 , consisting of lamps  48  and  50  in the present embodiment. Vent  54  for measuring relative humidity is connectively accessible by means  76  via passage way  78  and cavity  83 . Thus, ambient air may pass from the environment surrounding system  10  to relative humidity vent  54 , directional arrow  80  of FIG.  8 . Means  66  permits electrical access to data logger  16  where jacks  72  and  74  may be engaged to activate probes  36  and  38 . Probes  36  and  38  are extended away from data logger  16 , being connected to wires  40  and  42 . In addition, multi-pin jack  32  is accessible for computer connector  34  to download data from data logger  16 , if desired. After use, probes  36  and  38  are placed again within chamber  60  and tabs  20  and  22  are closed covering openings  68  and  70  to chamber  60 . It should be noted that tab  20  may be removed if desired. Opening  94  of tab  20  permits container  58  as shown in FIG. 3 to be mounted on a hook or nail if desired. When the configuration depicted in FIG. 6 is formed, data logger  16 , within container  58 , may be mailed to a data processing center for downloading of information or for reprocessing. Bar code  90  and opening  88  permits one to readily identify data logger  16  at this juncture. 
     While in the foregoing, embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, it may be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such detail without departing from the spirit and principles of the invention.