Low profile insulated battery enclosure incorporating a step/work surface

• US 20060286442A1
• Filed: 06/21/2006
• Published: 12/21/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/21/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: David J. Flaugher
• Original Assignee: David J. Flaugher
• Inventors: Flaugher, David J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,709,138 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 429/99
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/204 Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/224 Metals
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/227 Organic material
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/24 adapted for protecting batteries from their environment, e.g. from corrosion thermal insulation H01M10/658
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/30 Arrangements for facilitating escape of gases
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

A battery enclosure that includes a bottom portion configured to house a battery array and a top portion that is configured to rest on the bottom portion and enclose the battery array. The top portion of the battery enclosure is configured to be at least partially supported by the battery array when a load is placed on the top portion.

Claims

1. A battery enclosure, comprising:

a bottom portion configured to house a battery array;

a top portion that is at least partially supported by the battery array disposed in the bottom portion for supporting a load on the top portion.

2. The battery enclosure of claim 1, wherein an insulating material is disposed substantially between the battery array and the top portion.

3. The battery enclosure of claim 2, wherein the insulating material comprises a sealed covered top insulation layer.

4. The battery enclosure of claim 1, wherein the top portion includes one or more vent holes in the side of the top portion through which gases are permitted to escape.

5. The battery enclosure of claim 4, wherein the top surface includes one or more overhanging surfaces, and wherein the one or more vent holes are disposed on the one or more overhanging surfaces of the top portion.

6. The battery enclosure of claim 1, wherein an insulating material is disposed substantially between the battery array and the sides of the bottom portion.

7. The battery enclosure of claim 1, further comprising a non-skid surface on the top surface of the top portion.

8. The battery enclosure of claim 1, wherein the battery array comprises more than a single layer of batteries.

9. The battery enclosure of claim 1, wherein the battery array comprises a single layer of batteries.

10. The battery enclosure of claim 1, wherein the battery enclosure is comprised of aluminum or plastic.

11. A battery enclosure comprising:

a bottom portion configured to house a battery array; and

a top portion configured to rest on the bottom portion and enclose the battery array;

wherein the top portion at least partially rests on the battery array when a load is placed on the top portion.

12. The battery enclosure of claim 11, wherein an insulating material is disposed substantially between the battery array and the top portion.

13. The battery enclosure of claim 12, wherein the insulating material comprises a sealed covered top insulation layer.

14. The battery enclosure of claim 11, wherein the top portion includes one or more vent holes in the side of the top portion through which gases are permitted to escape.

15. The battery enclosure of claim 14, wherein the top portion includes one or more overhanging surfaces, and wherein the one or more vent holes are disposed on the one or more overhanging surfaces of the top portion.

16. The battery enclosure of claim 11, wherein an insulating material is disposed substantially between the battery array and the sides of the bottom portion.

17. The battery enclosure of claim 11, further comprising a non-skid surface on the top surface of the top portion.

18. The battery enclosure of claim 11, wherein the battery array comprises more than a single layer of batteries.

19. The battery enclosure of claim 11, wherein the battery array comprises a single layer of batteries.

20. The battery enclosure of claim 11, wherein the battery enclosure is comprised of aluminum or plastic.