Electric/hybrid vehicle charging stands and assembly methods therefor

• US 9,139,101 B2
• Filed: 07/30/2012
• Issued: 09/22/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 07/28/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Abel Gutierrez, Chris Parenti, Ralph Danny King
• Original Assignee: Abel Gutierrez, Chris Parenti, Ralph Danny King
• Inventors: Gutierrez, Abel, Parenti, Chris, King, Ralph Danny
• Primary Examiner(s): Alam, Mohammed
• Application Number:
  US13/561,694
• Publication Number:
  US 20130026987A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,149 Days
• Field of Search: 320/108, 320/109
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/14 Conductive energy transfer
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/18 Cables specially adapted for charging electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/31 Charging columns specially adapted for electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/48 for electric vehicles [EV] or hybrid vehicles [HEV]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/12 Electric charging stations
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/14 Plug-in electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49947 by applying separate fastener

Abstract

An improved charging stand for electric or hybrid vehicles is based upon a two-piece construction. Different top sections may be used, including a plain top with a rounded end or a decorative top which may include an optional ambient light fixture. A single fastener may be placed through the top section and into the pipe to hold the entire assembly together. An upright pipe has a cutout to receive a recharge controller with a recharge cable, the pipe further including a slot to receive the cable. A first plastic sleeve has a height below the cutout in the pipe corresponding the bottom of the slot. The recharge controller is accessible through the cutout with the cable protruding through the slot. A second plastic sleeve with a closed top and an open bottom mates with top of the first plastic sleeve with a cutout corresponding to the cutout in the pipe.

Claims

1. A method of constructing a charging stand for electric or hybrid vehicles, comprising the steps of:

providing an upright pipe having a cutout to receive a recharge controller with a recharge cable, the pipe further including a slot to receive the cable;

placing a first plastic sleeve over the pipe, the first plastic sleeve having a height below the cutout in the pipe corresponding the bottom of the slot;

placing the recharge controller into the pipe so that it is accessible through the cutout and such that the cable protrudes through the slot;

placing a second plastic sleeve over the pipe, the second plastic sleeve having a closed top and an open bottom that mates with top of the first plastic sleeve, the second plastic sleeve further including a cutout that corresponds to the cutout in the pipe; and

providing a fastener to retain at least the second plastic sleeve to the pipe.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the fastener retains both the first and second sleeves to the pipe.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the fastener also holds a cable-retaining bracket.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second plastic sleeve further includes a light source to provide ambient lighting.

5. A recharging stand constructed in accordance with claim 1.

6. A recharging stand constructed in accordance with claim 3.

7. A recharging stand constructed in accordance with claim 4.

8. A method of constructing a charging stand for electric or hybrid vehicles over an existing, upright pipe, comprising the steps of:

forming a cutout in the pipe to receive a recharge controller with a recharge cable;

cutting a slot in the pipe to receive the cable;

placing a first plastic sleeve over the pipe, the first plastic sleeve having a height below the cutout in the pipe corresponding the bottom of the slot;

placing the recharge controller into the pipe so that it is accessible through the cutout and such that the cable protrudes through the slot;

placing a second plastic sleeve over the pipe, the second plastic sleeve having a closed top and an open bottom that mates with top of the first plastic sleeve, the second plastic sleeve further including a cutout that corresponds to the cutout in the pipe; and

providing a fastener to retain at least the second plastic sleeve to the pipe.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the fastener retains both the first and second sleeves to the pipe.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the fastener also holds a cable-retaining bracket.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the second plastic sleeve further includes a light source to provide ambient lighting.

12. A recharging stand constructed in accordance with claim 9.

13. A recharging stand constructed in accordance with claim 10.

14. A recharging stand constructed in accordance with claim 11.

15. A charging stand for electric or hybrid vehicles, comprising:

an upright pipe having a cutout to receive a recharge controller with a recharge cable and a slot to receive the cable;

a first plastic sleeve positioned over the pipe, the first sleeve having a height below the cutout in the pipe corresponding the bottom of the slot, wherein the recharge controller is mounted within the pipe such that it is accessible through the cutout and such that the cable protrudes through the slot;

a second plastic sleeve positioned over the pipe and over the first sleeve, the second plastic sleeve having a closed top and an open bottom that mates with top of the first plastic sleeve, the second plastic sleeve further including a cutout that corresponds to the cutout in the pipe; and

a fastener to retain at least the second plastic sleeve to the pipe.

16. The charging stand of claim 15, wherein the fastener retains both the first and second sleeves to the pipe.

17. The charging stand of claim 15, wherein the fastener also holds a cable-retaining bracket.

18. The charging stand of claim 15, wherein the second plastic sleeve further includes a light source to provide ambient lighting.