Patent ID: 6347678
Filing Date: 2002-02-19
Classification: B60K

Abstract:
A battery box assembly for installation on a mobile vehicle with a frame rail, comprising:(a) a battery box comprising two combination structural rib and box brackets, a battery tray engaged between and supported by said combination structural rib and box brackets, a front face engaged to a front edge of said battery tray and between said combination structural rib and box brackets, and a back face engaged to a rear edge of said battery tray and between said combination structural rib and box brackets; (b) two rail brackets for attachment to the frame rail of the vehicle; (c) an initial alignment means comprised of two sets of mating components, a first mating component of each of said sets of mating components installed on each of said combination structural rib and box brackets and a second mating component of each of said sets of mating components installed on each of said rail brackets; (d) each of said combination structural rib and box brackets for attachment to one of said rail brackets via an attachment between said first mating components and said second mating components; (e) each of said first mating components is comprised of a first alignment pin jutting out horizontally from an outer surface of each of said combination structural rib and box brackets; (f) each of said rail brackets has at least two sides in a top view, each of said rail brackets having a top side; (g) each of said second mating components is comprised of a first alignment notch on said top side of said rail bracket, said first alignment notches sized to receive said first alignment pins of said combination structural rib and box brackets; (h) a permanent attachment means between each of said combination structural rib and box brackets and one of said rail brackets; (i) said first mating surface components further comprised of a second alignment pin jutting out horizontally from each said combination structural rib and box brackets at a lower vertical location from said first alignment pin; (j) said second mating components further comprised of a second alignment notch on an approximately outward facing vertical surface of each of said rail brackets; (k) said second alignment notches sized to receive said second alignment pins of said combination structural rib and box brackets; and (l) each of said first alignment pins is disposed adjacent an inboard end of said battery box assembly and a center of gravity of said battery box assembly is disposed between said first alignment pins and an outboard end of said battery box assembly such that, when said first alignment pins are disposed within said first alignment notches, gravitational forces acting on said battery box assembly urge said first alignment pins vertically downwardly into said first alignment notches and also cause a moment about said first alignment pins that causes said second alignment pins to be urged horizontally into said second alignment notches.