US 12,252,323 B2
Vehicle energy storage compartment for improved crashworthiness
Peter J. Leiss, Middletown, PA (US); Marcus A. Mazza, Lancaster, PA (US); Bret W. Johnson, Lancaster, PA (US); and Daniel Fridline, Brooklyn, NY (US)
Assigned to Robson Forensic, Inc., Lancaster, PA (US)
Filed by Robson Forensic, Inc., Lancaster, PA (US)
Filed on Mar. 3, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/177,810.
Application 18/177,810 is a continuation of application No. 17/569,785, filed on Jan. 6, 2022, granted, now 11,597,577.
Application 17/569,785 is a continuation of application No. 16/504,465, filed on Jul. 8, 2019, granted, now 11,247,828, issued on Feb. 15, 2022.
Application 16/504,465 is a continuation in part of application No. 15/994,369, filed on May 31, 2018, granted, now 10,343,833, issued on Jul. 9, 2019.
Application 15/994,369 is a continuation of application No. 15/592,346, filed on May 11, 2017, granted, now 10,000,328, issued on Jun. 19, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2023/0202733 A1, Jun. 29, 2023
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B65D 81/05 (2006.01); B60K 15/03 (2006.01); B60K 15/067 (2006.01); B60K 15/073 (2006.01); B65D 6/10 (2006.01); B65D 81/02 (2006.01); B65D 81/107 (2006.01); B65D 81/127 (2006.01)
CPC B65D 81/05 (2013.01) [B60K 15/03 (2013.01); B60K 15/03006 (2013.01); B60K 15/073 (2013.01); B65D 7/22 (2013.01); B65D 81/027 (2013.01); B65D 81/127 (2013.01); B60K 2015/03059 (2013.01); B60K 15/03177 (2013.01); B60K 2015/03375 (2013.01); B60K 2015/03381 (2013.01); B60K 2015/03493 (2013.01); B60K 15/067 (2013.01); B60K 2015/0675 (2013.01); B60Y 2200/14 (2013.01); B60Y 2200/145 (2013.01); B60Y 2306/01 (2013.01); B65D 81/107 (2013.01)] 8 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A compartment for storing an energy source in a vehicle, the compartment comprising:
a first structure removably maintained in position relative to the vehicle during normal operation of the vehicle;
a second structure which holds the energy source, the second structure positioned proximate the first structure, the second structure maintained in position relative to the first structure and relative to the vehicle during normal operation of the vehicle;
wherein during an impact to the vehicle, the first structure is released from the vehicle when a force is transmitted to the first structure during the impact, the first structure is configured to move i) in a direction which is horizontal or lateral to the direction of a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, ii) in a direction which is vertical or perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, iii) in a direction which is in line with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, iv) rotationally about a horizontal axis, v) rotationally about a first vertical axis, vi) rotationally about a second vertical axis, or vii) in a direction which is a combination of any or all of i), ii, iii), iv), v) and/or vi);
wherein during the impact to the vehicle, the second structure is configured to move independent of the first structure i) in a direction which is horizontal or lateral to the direction of a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, ii) in a direction which is vertical or perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, iii) in a direction which is in line with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, iv) rotationally about a horizontal axis, v) rotationally about a first vertical axis, vi) rotationally about a second vertical axis, or vii) in a direction which is a combination of any or all of i), ii, iii), iv), v) and/or vi);
wherein the second structure and/or the first structure has a coating provided thereon to allow the second structure to engage the first structure without causing excessive wear to the second structure or the first structure.