Patent ID: 6458481
Filing Date: 2002-10-01
Classification: H01M

Abstract:
An apparatus for spacing a battery cell, comprising:a. a cradle member having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the top surface defining a first indentation, the cradle member also having a first ledge portion and an opposite second ledge portion; b. at least one first cantilever beam extending from the top surface, the first cantilever beam having a first base portion having a first top end and a spaced-apart first bottom end, the first bottom end being connected to the cradle member adjacent the first ledge portion, and a first flexible elongated arm portion extending from the first top end and directed toward the indentation, the first flexible elongated arm portion having a length sufficient to exert inwardly-directed radial force in a first direction on the battery cell when the battery cell is placed into the indentation; and c. at least one second cantilever beam extending from the top surface, the second cantilever beam having a second base portion having a second top end and a second bottom end, the second bottom end being connected to the cradle member adjacent the second ledge portion, and a second flexible elongated arm portion extending from the second top end and directed toward the indentation, the second flexible elongated arm portion having a length sufficient to exert inwardly-directed radial force in a second direction, transverse to the first direction, on the battery cell when the battery cell is placed into the indentation.