Patent US4723618A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4723618A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Swing-out battery box
Assignee: Deere and Co
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Filing: 1987-03-02
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Granted: 1988-02-09
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Expires: 2007-03-02
Abstract
Abstract A battery box including parallel four-bar linkage structure for permitting a battery to be swung downwardly and outwardly, from an operative position wherein the battery is protected by the implement frame, to a maintenance position wherein easy access is provided to the battery for inspection and maintenance. The parallel linkage structure maintains the battery horizontal and serves as a self-locking mechanism at the desired maintenance position. A finger guard on the four-bar linkage also acts as a stop to limit travel of the battery when the battery is returned to its normal operative position.
Inventors
- 👤 Joel A. Coonradt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 10:10
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R16/00; B60R16/02; B60R16/04; H; H01; H01M; H01M50/00; H01M50/20; H01M50/233; H01M50/242; H01M50/262; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E60/00; Y02E60/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
163 words
In a vehicle including a battery compartment for receiving a battery, said battery compartment normally limiting access to the battery, battery support structure permitting convenient access to the batery for inspection and servicing of the battery, said support structure comprising: a battery holder adapted for receiving the battery in an upright supportive position; elongated four-bar linkage structure having first and second ends; means for rockably connecting the first end of the linkage structure to the vehicle adjacent the battery compartment; means connecting the second end of the linkage structure to the battery holder for permitting the battery holder to rock between a normal operative position generally within the compartment and a service position wherein the holder extends outwardly from the compartment; stop means for maintaining the battery holder in a preselected attitude in the service position; and plate means fixed to one of the bars of the four-bar linkage for shielding the area between adjacent bars as the holder is rocked between positions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
163 words
In a vehicle including a battery compartment for receiving a battery, said battery compartment normally limiting access to the battery, battery support structure permitting convenient access to the batery for inspection and servicing of the battery, said support structure comprising: a battery holder adapted for receiving the battery in an upright supportive position; elongated four-bar linkage structure having first and second ends; means for rockably connecting the first end of the linkage structure to the vehicle adjacent the battery compartment; means connecting the second end of the linkage structure to the battery holder for permitting the battery holder to rock between a normal operative position generally within the compartment and a service position wherein the holder extends outwardly from the compartment; stop means for maintaining the battery holder in a preselected attitude in the service position; and plate means fixed to one of the bars of the four-bar linkage for shielding the area between adjacent bars as the holder is rocked between positions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein the stop means comprises a portion of the four-bar linkage structure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein the plate means includes second stop means for preventing further rocking of the battery holder upon the holder being rocked to the operative position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
142 words
In a vehicle having an engine, battery support and protective structure comprising: a protective compartment area located away from the engine and opening outwardly, upright four-bar linkage structure pivotally connected to the compartment area, a battery support adapted for receiving a battery, means pivotally connecting the battery support to the linkage structure for permitting the battery support to rock between an operative position wherein the battery is supported within the compartment and a maintenance position wherein the battery is located outwardly of the compartment, said means pivotally connecting also for maintaining the battery in a preselected attitude as the support is rocked between positions, and wherein the four-bar linkage structure includes a pair of spaced upright bars defining a gap therebetween, and plate means connected to one of the bars and spanning the gap for eliminating a pinch point between the bars.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
142 words
In a vehicle having an engine, battery support and protective structure comprising: a protective compartment area located away from the engine and opening outwardly, upright four-bar linkage structure pivotally connected to the compartment area, a battery support adapted for receiving a battery, means pivotally connecting the battery support to the linkage structure for permitting the battery support to rock between an operative position wherein the battery is supported within the compartment and a maintenance position wherein the battery is located outwardly of the compartment, said means pivotally connecting also for maintaining the battery in a preselected attitude as the support is rocked between positions, and wherein the four-bar linkage structure includes a pair of spaced upright bars defining a gap therebetween, and plate means connected to one of the bars and spanning the gap for eliminating a pinch point between the bars.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention as set forth in claim 4 wherein the linkage structure includes stop means for automatically stopping and maintaining the battery support in the maintenance position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The invention as set forth in claim 4 wherein the plate means includes means for preventing the battery support from rocking beyond the operative position as the support is rocked from the maintenance position.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-02-08 | 1991-08-10 | 1992-02-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-02-08 | 1995-08-10 | 1996-02-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-02-08 | 1999-08-10 | 2000-02-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |