Battery restraint system

• US 5,004,081 A
• Filed: 12/20/1989
• Issued: 04/02/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/1989
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Inventors: Custer, Bruce C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kashnikow, Andres
• Assistant Examiner(s): CAMBY, RICHARD M
• Application Number:
  US07/453,747
• Time in Patent Office: 468 Days
• Field of Search: 180/68.5, 248/503, 248/309.1, 206/335
• US Class Current: 180/68.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/04 Arrangement of batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/204 Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/227 Organic material
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/264 for cells or batteries, e.g. straps, tie rods or peripheral frames
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

A battery restraint system for an earthmoving vehicle includes a pair of non-metallic straps with one end of each strap securely fastened to the vehicle frame structure by a bracket. The other end of each strap has a loop which accepts one end of a tensioning bar. A threaded fastener and compression spring connect the center portion of the tensioning bar to the vehicle frame structure and apply a constant and consistent force on the tensioning bar and on the straps. Conventional battery restraints use a metal bracket clamped to the battery by several threaded fasteners. During vehicle operation, the threaded fasteners become loose which allows the battery to move. The fasteners are often difficult to gain access to for re-tightening. The subject battery restraint system maintains a constant force on the battery, and the single threaded fastener is easily accessed.

Claims

1. A battery restraint system for securing a battery to a frame structure, comprising:

first and second spaced apart strap assemblies, each including a flexible non-metallic strap having a first end portion and a second end portion, a bracket secured to each of said first end portions, and said second end portion defining a loop;

a tensioning bar having first and second end portions and a center portion, said first and second end portions being adapted to engage respectively said first and second loops;

first means for securing said brackets to said frame structure;

second means for securing said center portion of said tensioning bar to said frame structure; and

tensioning means for applying a substantially constant downward force on said tensioning bar and said first and second strap assemblies.

2. The battery restraint system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said tensioning means includes a coil spring.

3. The battery restraint system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said second securing means includes a threaded fastener, a through hole defined by said center portion of said tensioning bar, and a mating aligned opening defined by said frame structure, said threaded fastener adapted to penetrate said through hole and said opening.

4. The battery restraint system, as set forth in claim 3, wherein said tensioning means includes a coil spring, said threaded fastener includes an enlarged head portion, said coil spring being compressible between said head portion and said tensioning bar center portion.

5. The battery restraint system, as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second securing means includes a threaded fastener having an enlarged head portion, and said tensioning means includes a compression spring, said spring being compressible between said enlarged head portion and said center portion of said tensioning bar.

6. The battery restraint system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said straps are formed of polypropylene.

7. The battery restraint system, as set forth in claim 1, including an angle member having a first leg portion in contact with said frame structure and a second leg portion adjacent said battery.

8. The battery restraint system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said tensioning means includes a coil spring, a cylindrical sleeve, and a threaded fastener having an enlarged head portion, said spring being positioned about said sleeve, and said threaded fastener being adapted to penetrate said sleeve and compress said spring between said head portion and said tensioning bar center portion.

9. A restraint system for restraining and securing first and second batteries to a vehicle frame structure, said restraint system comprising:

first and second strap assemblies, each assembly including a polypropylene strap and an L-shaped bracket, each strap having first and second end portions, said second end portion defining a closed loop and said first end portion being secured to said bracket;

first threaded fastening means for releasably securing each of said brackets to said frame structure;

an elongated tensioning bar having first and second end portions and an enlarged center portion, said center portion defining a through hole, said first and second end portions being adapted to engage respectively said loops in said first and second straps; and

means for applying a substantially constant force to said tensioning bar, said means including a cylindrical sleeve, a coil spring positioned about said sleeve, and second threaded fastening means for securing said sleeve, said spring, and said tensioning bar to said frame structure.

10. The restraint system, as set forth in claim 9, wherein said first strap is in contact with said first battery and said second strap is in contact with said second battery.

11. The restraint system, as set forth in claim 9, including an elongated L-shaped angle member having a first leg portion in contact with said frame structure and a second leg portion adjacent said batteries.

12. The restraint system, as set forth in claim 11, including a spacer positioned between said sleeve and said L-shaped angle member.

13. A battery restraint system for securing a battery to a frame structure, comprising:

first and second spaced apart strap assemblies, each including a strap having a first end portion and a second end portion, a bracket secured to each of said first end portions, and said second end portion defining a loop;

a tensioning bar having first and second end portions and a center portion, said first and second end portions being adapted to engage respectively said first and second loops;

first means for securing said brackets to said frame structure;

second means for securing said center portion of said tensioning bar to said frame structure; and

tensioning means for applying a substantially constant force on said tensioning bar, said tensioning means including a coil spring, a cylindrical sleeve, and a threaded fastener having an enlarged head portion, said spring being positioned about said sleeve, and said threaded fastener being adapted to penetrate said sleeve and compress said spring between said head portion and said tensioning bar center portion.