Abstract:
An assembly for easily inserting, removing and carrying a motorcycle battery. The assembly comprises a plurality of bands secured together by at least one junction. A grip member can be used for enhanced carrying ease. A pull member, or multiple pull members, can be secured to the assembly for efficiently guiding the battery once the assembly is engaged with the battery, such as in inserting or removing the battery from a battery compartment, and in carrying the battery.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    A motorcycle battery must store enough physical energy to start a power-hungry engine at a moment&#39;s notice. However, it also must be of a size modest enough to fit in the confined space of a sleek motorcycle body. As a result, a motorcycle battery tends to be a heavy item that must be slipped into and out of a confined area. Installing and removing a motorcycle battery is a process that can be time-consuming, cumbersome and has the potential of damaging the housing containing the battery, and the process can also make its mark on fingers and feet of motorcycle mechanics and enthusiasts. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0002]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an example battery basket in accord with various embodiments. 
           [0003]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of an example of a battery basket, engaged with an example of a battery, in accord with various embodiments. 
           [0004]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an example of a battery basket, and an example of a pull member, in accord with various embodiments. 
           [0005]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of an example of a battery basket, and an example of multiple pull members, in accord with various embodiments. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0006]      FIG. 1  depicts a battery basket  110 . In an embodiment, battery basket  110  can include a vertical band  120 . Vertical band  120  can provide support to and otherwise act to constrain movement relative to the bottom and side casings of a battery (an illustration of an example battery  210  in battery basket  110  can be seen in  FIG. 2 ). Disposed in the general configuration of a loop, vertical band  120  can comprise material such as a synthetic polymer, natural material, combination of the two, or any other material suitable for engaging a battery  210 . The material comprising vertical band  120  can be a heavy duty fabric or other substance. Vertical band  120  can comprise a single strip of material secured at a junction  122 . It can comprise two strips of material secured at a junction  122  and junction  124 . The securing can be accomplished by stitching or other structure or process. The material can be substantially flexible (such that it can, among other things, be tucked next to the battery  210  during operation) but must be strong enough, in conjunction with the rest of the structures, to handle the weight of a battery. It will be appreciated that multiple strips of material can be used to form vertical band  120 . 
         [0007]    Vertical band  120  can have an upper portion on which a grip member  170  can be disposed. Grip member  170  can comprise a structure placed on and/or around vertical band  120  to assist in lifting, carrying, or otherwise manipulating a battery  210 . 
         [0008]    First horizontal band  130  can be adjacent to vertical band  120 , and will be disposed at an angle relative to vertical band  120 . In an embodiment, first horizontal band  130  can be substantially 90 degrees relative to vertical band  120 . However, the angle can be non-perpendicular so long as it is non-zero or, understood another way, not 180 degrees. First horizontal band  130  can be secured to vertical band  120  by a junction  132  and junction  134 , the securing accomplished by stitching or other structure or process. First horizontal band  130  can provide support to and otherwise act to constrain movement relative to the sides of a battery. Disposed in the general configuration of a loop, first horizontal band  130  can comprise material such as a synthetic polymer, natural material, combination of the two, or any other material suitable for engaging a battery  210 . The material comprising first horizontal band  130  can be a heavy duty fabric or other substance. The material can be substantially flexible but must be strong enough, in conjunction with the rest of the structures, to handle the weight of a battery. First horizontal band  130  can comprise a single strip of material or multiple strips. 
         [0009]    In an embodiment, a second horizontal band  140  can be used. Second horizontal band  140  can be substantially 90 degrees relative to vertical band  120 . However, the angle can be non-perpendicular so long as it is non-zero or, understood another way, not 180 degrees. Second horizontal band  140  can be disposed generally parallel to first horizontal band  130 . Second horizontal band  140  can be secured to vertical band  120  by a junction  142  and junction  144 , the securing accomplishing by stitching or other structure or process. Second horizontal band  140  can provide support to and otherwise act to constrain movement relative to the sides of a battery. Disposed in the general configuration of a loop, second horizontal band  140  can comprise material such as a synthetic polymer, natural material, combination of the two, or any other material suitable for engaging with a battery. The material comprising second horizontal band  140  can be a heavy duty fabric or other substance. The material can be substantially flexible but must be strong enough, in conjunction with the rest of the structures, to handle the weight of a battery. Second horizontal band  140  can comprise a single strip of material secured at a junction  142  or multiple strips secured at multiple junctions  142 ,  144 . 
         [0010]    A first support band  150  can be disposed to engage the base of and sides of, a battery  210 . First support band  150  can be substantially 90 degrees relative to first horizontal band  130  and/or second horizontal band  140 . However, the angle can be non-perpendicular so long as it is non-zero or, understood another way, not 180 degrees. First support band  150  can be secured to first horizontal band  130  by a junction  152  and junction  153 , the securing accomplishing by stitching or other structure or process. Added junctions can be used. First support band  150  can provide support to and otherwise act to constrain movement relative to the bottom and sides of a battery. First support band  150  can comprise material such as a synthetic polymer, natural material, combination of the two, or any other material suitable for engaging a battery. The material comprising first support band  150  can be a heavy duty fabric or other substance. The material can be substantially flexible but must be strong enough, in conjunction with the rest of the structures, to handle the weight of a battery. First support band  150  can comprise a single strip of material or multiple strips. 
         [0011]    First support band  150  can be disposed generally halfway between two opposite sides of first horizontal band  130  and/or second horizontal band  140 . Alternatively, first support band  150  can be disposed closer to a first side of first horizontal hand  130  and/or second horizontal band  140 , and a second support band  160  can be disposed closer to the opposite side, as appropriate, of first horizontal band  130  and/or second horizontal band  140 . Using a first support band  150  or second support band  160  can strengthen the apparatus and constrain movement for added ease of battery removal, insertion, and carrying. 
         [0012]    Second support band  160  can be used with first support band  150 . Using a first support band  150  and/or second support band  160  can strengthen the apparatus and constrain movement for added ease of battery removal, insertion, and carrying. Second support band  160  can have location and properties similar to those of first support band, e.g., angle relative to first horizontal band  130  and or second horizontal band  140 , material of which it is comprised, how it is secured, and comparable characteristics. 
         [0013]      FIG. 2  depicts an example battery  210  used in conjunction with an embodiment of battery basket  110 . The battery casing can include a side casing  220  and side casing  230  (and other side casings, not shown). There can be a top casing  250  (and bottom casing, not shown). There can be a terminal  240  and terminal  242 . It will be appreciated that battery  210  can be inserted into battery basket  110 . Battery basket  110  can supportably engage relevant portions of side casing  220  and side casing  230  (and other side casings not shown). Battery basket  110  can leave open, and not interfere with, top casing  250  including terminals  240 ,  242 . 
         [0014]    Battery  210  can be inserted into battery basket  110 , and then carried easily to the motorcycle. At this point, battery basket  110  containing battery  210  can be slipped into the motorcycle body battery compartment (not shown) in which the battery is housed during normal motorcycle operation. In addition, battery basket  110  can be inserted first into the battery compartment, and then battery  210  can be inserted therein. 
         [0015]      FIG. 3  depicts an embodiment of a battery basket  110  that includes a pull member  310 . Pull member  310  can have a generally loop-shaped configuration. Pull member  310  can be formed from one strip of material or multiple strips. Also, pull member  310  can be secured to battery basket  110  at a suitable location such as vertical band  120 , such that battery basket  110  can be pulled or guided. The securing can be by stitching or other structure or process. 
         [0016]    Pull member  310  in embodiments can be of an added shape and/or structure. For example, it can be a hook of a reasonably rigid material. It can be a mechanism that can be manually pulled, pinched or engaged for the purpose of added navigation and/or support of battery basket  110 . 
         [0017]    A motorcycle battery is typically housed in a compartment that is a top-replace or side-replace. With a top-replace, in general the seat can be removed for access to the battery compartment. Then the battery can be lifted upwards and away from the motorcycle. With a side-replace, the compartment can be accessible from the side of the motorcycle. The battery can then be slid laterally out of the motorcycle. Pull member  310  can be used for both top-replace and side-replace compartments. A use for pull member  310  is in lateral removal of a battery from the battery compartment, where the battery compartment is accessible from the side of the motorcycle frame or body. Another use for pull member  310  is assisting with top removal of a battery. Accordingly, pull member  310  can be used to guide and/or support battery basket  110  during insertion or removal of battery basket  110  from the battery compartment of a motorcycle. Pull member  310  can also be used in handling the battery basket  110 , into which a battery  210  has been inserted, outside a motorcycle. Pull member  310  can be located on vertical band  120 , first horizontal band  130 , or indeed on any of the battery basket&#39;s structures where it is suitable for pulling and/or guiding. Pull member  310  can engage battery basket  110  by a junction  320  by stitching or other structure or process. 
         [0018]    As seen in  FIG. 4 , multiple pull members may be used. For example, pull member  310  may be secured to vertical band  120  at junction  320 , and pull member  330  may also be secured to vertical band  120  at junction  340 . Multiple pull members can even further enhance versatility by enabling the battery to be pulled out and/or guided by either or both of pull member  310  and pull member  330 . Again, multiple pull members may be configured on different portions of battery basket  110  as suitable. In addition, one or both of pull member  310  and/or pull member  330 , or other pull members, may be slideably moveable along vertical band  120 , first horizontal band  130  or second horizontal band  140 , or first support band  150  or second support band  160 , or added band. 
         [0019]    It will be appreciated that the lower and/or bottom portion of battery basket  110  can be constructed in multiple configurations, fashions and designs. These include added or fewer strips. This can also include a generally integral pouch that can be carried by a handle such as by a portion of vertical member  120  with or without a gripping member  170 . 
         [0020]    In addition, it will be appreciated that in embodiments horizontal band  130  and horizontal band  140  can be substantially parallel with respect to each other. It will also be appreciated that additional configurations can be used in further embodiments. For example, horizontal band  130  and/or horizontal band  140  can cross each other at opposite junction points, forming an “X” shape at each of two such junctions. Added horizontal bands can be used. 
         [0021]    Further, in embodiments first support band  150  and second support band  160  can be substantially parallel with respect to each other. It will also be appreciated that additional configurations can be used in further embodiments. For example, first support band  150  and second support band  160  can cross each other at a junction point, forming an “X” shape at such junctions. Added support bands can be used. 
         [0022]    Further, it will be appreciated that in embodiments first vertical band can be substantially perpendicular to first horizontal band  130  and second horizontal band  140 . The angle can, however, be varied in other embodiments. 
         [0023]    The disclosures herein relate to a motorcycle battery. However, the disclosures herein can also be applied to a battery of another vehicle or device requiring a battery, such as but not limited to an automobile, boat, jet ski, snowmobile, lawnmower, recreational vehicle, all-terrain vehicle, or construction equipment. 
         [0024]    In the description hereof, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate several embodiments of the present invention. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and mechanical, compositional, structural, and other operational changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the embodiments of the present invention is defined only by the claims of the issued patent. 
         [0025]    The examples presented herein are intended to illustrate potential and specific implementations of the present invention. It can be appreciated that the examples are intended primarily for purposes of illustration of the invention for those skilled in the art. No particular aspect or aspects of the examples are necessarily intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the structures for securing described herein (e.g., forming the junctions) may be replaced or supplemented by other suitable securing means including a variety of other types of mechanical securing devices (e.g., nails, rivets, or others). In another example, a particular choice of construction material (e.g., polymeric, etc.) may be replaced or supplemented by another type of material which is suitable for the same or similar structure or function. 
         [0026]    Any element expressed herein as a means for performing a specified function is intended to encompass any way of performing that function including, for example, a combination of elements that performs that function. Furthermore the invention, as may be defined by such means-plus-function claims, resides in the fact that the functionalities provided by the various recited means are combined and brought together in a manner as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, any means that can provide such functionalities may be considered equivalents to the means shown herein. 
         [0027]    It will be appreciated that, for convenience and clarity of disclosure, terms describing relative orientation or spatial positioning such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “up,” “down,” “top,” “front,” “back,” or “bottom,” may be used at times herein with respect to the drawings and text description in association with various embodiments of the invention. However, such terms are primarily used for illustrative purposes and are not necessarily intended to be limiting in nature. 
         [0028]    It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that these and other elements may be desirable. However, because such elements are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements is not provided herein. It should be appreciated that the figures are presented for illustrative purposes and not as construction drawings. Omitted details and modifications or alternative embodiments are within the purview of persons of ordinary skill in the art. For example, there may be variations to these diagrams or the operations described herein without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0029]    It can be appreciated that, in certain aspects of the present invention, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to provide an element or structure or to perform a given function or functions. Except where such substitution would not be operative to practice certain embodiments of the present invention, such substitution is considered within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0030]    While the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and illustrative figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments or figures described. 
         [0031]    Therefore, it should be understood that the invention can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the invention can be practiced with modification and alteration and that the invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.