Battery disposal unit

Abstract

The present invention concerns battery disposal. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention concerns the provision of a battery disposal unit in which exhausted batteries may be stored. The battery disposal ( 2 ) unit comprises a battery testing device ( 6 ) and a battery storage container ( 4 ). The battery testing device is at least partially integrated with the battery storage container.

1 . A battery disposal unit comprising:
 a battery testing device, and   a battery storage container, wherein the battery testing device is at least partially integrated with the battery storage container.   
     
     
         2 . A battery disposal unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the battery testing device is arranged to test batteries of a plurality of different sizes. 
     
     
         3 . A battery disposal unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the battery testing device is arranged to test batteries of a plurality of different chemistries. 
     
     
         4 . A battery disposal unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the battery testing device is so shaped that a user is required to hold a battery up to the battery testing device in order that the battery is tested. 
     
     
         5 . A battery disposal unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the battery testing device comprises a battery condition indicator. 
     
     
         6 . A battery disposal unit as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the battery condition indicator comprises at least three indicators including representations of “fully charged”, “low charge”, and “no charge”. 
     
     
         7 . A battery disposal unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the battery testing device is powered at least partially by the battery under test. 
     
     
         8 . A battery disposal unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the battery testing device is wholly powered by the battery under test. 
     
     
         9 . A battery disposal unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the battery storage container includes a lid. 
     
     
         10 . A battery disposal unit as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the lid includes an aperture shaped to allow batteries to pass through. 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A method of sorting batteries suitable for disposal using a battery disposal unit comprising a battery testing device arranged to receive a test battery, the battery testing device integrated with a battery storage container, the method
 comprising the following steps:   inserting a battery for test into the battery testing device, and   if the battery testing device indicates that the battery is suitable for disposal, placing the battery into the battery storage container.   
     
     
         13 . A battery disposal unit comprising:
 a battery testing device, and   a battery storage container, wherein the battery storage container is integrated into the battery storage container,   the battery testing device being arranged such that a user may insert a battery into the battery testing device, and the battery storage container being arranged such that a user may remove a battery from the battery testing device and place it into the battery storage container.