Abstract:
A frame device for supporting batteries during seismic stress, comprising: 
     a pair of end frame members, each end frame member being formed of a single sheet material shaped to define vertical columns of confronting c-shaped cross section and a web extending between the vertical columns directly confronting batteries placed on the shelves and providing a guide for same; 
     channel support members secured at opposite terminal ends to the vertical columns of the end frame members to position them in upstanding spaced apart relation; 
     shelves for supporting batteries spanning the channel support members and defining a plurality of compartments for the batteries; 
     a pair of anchors; 
     means for securing the end frame members to the anchors; and 
     means defining a plurality of openings in the web of each end frame generally aligned with the compartments formed by the shelves to provide ventilation of batteries mounted in the compartments.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/294,444 filed May 30, 2001. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a rack for supporting and storing objects and more specifically to a battery rack system and apparatus having a plurality of compartments for supporting batteries and other heavy objects designed to survive seismic forces during earth tremors and the like. The invention relates specifically to frames forming part of what is known as an uninterruptable power source. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There is a need, particularly in the telecommunications industries, for a back up power source to maintain operations when the primary power source shuts down. These systems generally comprises a plurality of valve regulated lead acid batteries (VRLA) generally of a two volt size which are typically connected in series in various numbers, for example 24, to provide or define a 48 volt system. These batteries are typically constructed of polypropylene jars which is a relatively soft material similar to milk jugs and a cover mounting the leads connected to the jar by a seam. These jars generally require an exterior shell for protection as well as pressure control. It has been found that without compression, these batteries tend to bulge thereby diminishing capacity. 
     In accordance with a known prior art system, the batteries are stored or placed in multi-cavity modules or trays which are stacked, one on top of the other and secured to one another to provide an array of assembled trays and batteries totaling the requisite number for a given system such as 24 batteries for a 48 volt system. 
     An important criteria for systems of this type is that the support structures function to support the heavy loads and be reliable particularly in times of crises. These prior systems have certain disadvantages and draw backs. For example, batteries are installed in the modules at the battery plant or factory. Typically, a three battery module may weigh about 800 lbs. These trays are therefore rather bulky and difficult to handle at the installation site. Further, the module pockets, in some instances, are oversized relative to the battery and require the use of shims to snugly position the batteries in the module pockets. The batteries are typically placed in the modules before the final charge creating pressure between the battery and the module. Accordingly, when the batteries swell, if there is need for the installer to remove the batteries, the batteries are usually gripped by the posts which can cause battery damage. Further, it has been found that the interconnected modules are not always as stable as they should be and do not satisfy the criteria for supporting heavy loads in time of seismic crises. 
     Summarizing the disadvantages of the presently known systems, it has been that cell damage results by overstressing the post seals when installers handle the batteries by the posts, especially during extraction of cell and lifting thereof. 
     Other adverse affects of extraction of cells from the modules or trays include exposure of the jars to the ambient environment and potential puncture. Further, extraction can result in jar to cover seam damage during reinsertion of the cell into the modular trays. Further, in some instances, the jars are shimmed in the trays to maintain pressure. These shims are inserted prior to jar bulging and once the jar bulges, it is difficult to extract the cell from the trays and even more difficult to reinsert them. Often the shim is not reused resulting in lose of pressure and thus diminishing capacity. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The rack assembly and system of the present invention obviates some of the disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior system discussed above. To this end, the rack system of the present invention comprises a frame device for supporting objects such as batteries during seismic stress, comprising a pair of end frame members mounted in upstanding spaced apart relation by a plurality of vertically spaced elongated channel support members secured at opposite terminal ends to the vertical columns of the end frame members, shelves for supporting batteries spanning the channel support members and defining a plurality of compartments for the batteries, each end frame member being formed of a single sheet material shaped to define vertical columns and a web extending between the end columns, a pair of anchors, means securing the end frames to the anchors, and means for defining a plurality of openings in the web of each end frame generally aligned with the compartments formed by the shelves to provide horizontal ventilation of batteries mounted in the compartments. 
     With the foregoing in mind it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved battery rack system characterized by novel features of construction and arrangement providing certain functional advantages over the prior art systems discussed above. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide a battery rack systems which essentially consists of only two main structural components and therefore is easy and quick to assemble and install. 
     Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a rack system including two relatively rigid end frame members configured to define relatively large ventilation ports for horizontal air flow which improves battery performance. 
     A still further object of the present invention is to provide a rack assembly and system which includes a novel, relatively rigid end frame structure and anchors which are easily accessible for securing the assembly on a concrete floor or the like. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a rack assembly and system wherein no side or rear access is required for assembly of the rack and the batteries therein and accordingly the rack assembly and system can be used in extremely small spaces. For example, the space required almost as small is the rectangular footprint of the rack assembly. 
     A still another object of the present invention is to provide a battery rack assembly and systems wherein the frame including a novel configuration of end frame members which are symmetrical and therefore can be manufactured economically and installed easily and which are characterized by a series of ventilation slots and webs between the slots which confront a plurality of open compartments in the rack for the batteries to thereby aid and guide the batteries into the rows defined in the compartments. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel battery rack assembly and system which has great flexibility and only one designed frame is needed for the entire 120-size system product line in a 8-high configuration. 
     Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a novel battery rack assembly and system wherein the shelves are divided into rows or zones for the batteries defined by a series of spaced dimples and openings spacing the rows of batteries at a predetermined distance from one another to whereby the ventilation slots facilitate vertical air flow over the batteries and with again the result of improving battery performance. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel jacket configuration for the batteries characterized by a unique design allowing for handling the cells individually thereby facilitate handling and wherein the open end configuration is such to protect the joint between the cover and the jar from damage. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a jacket configuration where the cell need not be extracted from the jacket or handled by its posts and thereby eliminating cell posts seal damage and jar damage as well as diminished capacity due to loss of pressure characteristic of prior art configuration. 
     A still further object of the present invention is to provide a novel jacket arrangement constructed of two identical pieces which are configured to be easily welded together to form a neat compact jacket for the individual batteries which includes points for picking up and handling the batteries and therefore eliminates cell damage. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other objects of the present invention and various features and details of the construction and operation thereof are hereinafter more fully set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of end frames of the rack and the anchor or base channel for supporting the rack system on a support surface such as concrete flooring in a commercial facility; 
     FIG. 1B is an enlarged view showing tabs or tangs on the feet of the end frame members which engage in slots in the base channel for rigidly supporting the end frames in the anchors or base channels; 
     FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the battery rack assembly showing the shelf support channels and the shelves for the batteries and jackets assembled to the end frames; 
     FIG. 2B is an enlarged partially cutaway view showing the bolted joint between a shelf support channel and the end frame; 
     FIG. 2C is an enlarged view of the portion circled in FIG. 2A marked  2 C showing the shelf projections defining the zones separating the jackets and vertical air flow channels; 
     FIG. 2D is an enlarged view of the portion circled in FIG.  2 A and marked  2 D showing zone divider and air flow channels; 
     FIG. 2E is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of battery rack including additional horizontal air flow ports; 
     FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the two components forming the battery jacket; 
     FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the halves of the jackets welded together; 
     FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the battery rack assembly showing the jackets and batteries in place in the shelves; 
     FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the circled portion of FIG. 4A showing the jacket ears for securing the jacket to the shelves; 
     FIGS. 5A and 5B are enlarged views showing air flow around the batteries on the rack; 
     FIG. 6 is a fragmentary front view showing the dimples for separating the adjacent rows of batteries and jackets, which are also shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D; 
     FIG. 7 is an enlarged view along lines  7 — 7  of FIG. 4A showing the battery held in place in the jacket and the rack assembly before the retainer bars are in place; 
     FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the battery rack assembly with the battery retaining bars assembled; 
     FIG. 8B is an enlarged view showing the bolted joints between a large and small retainer and a shelf; 
     FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view showing taken on line  9 — 9  of FIG. 8 showing the retainer bar and compression strips; 
     FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a retainer bar; 
     FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a large retainer bar; 
     FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the battery rack assembly and a protective shield overlying the cover of the array of batteries housed in jackets; and 
     FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of the portion circled in FIG. 11A marked  11 B showing the shield mounted bracket. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 2 thereof, there is shown a battery rack assembly and system including the unique features of the present invention which is generally designated by the numeral  10 . The battery rack assembly  10  essentially comprises a pair of spaced apart end frames  12  and  14 , a series of shelf support channels  16  which connect the end frames  12  and  14  and shelves  18  spanning the support channels which are spaced apart vertically to define a series of compartments for storing batteries in jackets in a manner described in more detail hereafter. The end frames  12  and  14  are rigidly supported in base channels  20  which can be anchored to a support surface such as a concrete floor in a commercial building. 
     Considering now the components of the battery rack assembly  10  in more detail and with specific reference to the end frames  12  and  14 , each end frame may be fabricated from a single sheet of sheet metal punched and formed to the configuration shown in the drawings. Since the end frames  12  and  14  are of identical configuration, like parts thereof will be designated with the same reference numeral. Each end frame as illustrated is of a configuration to define a pair of elongated, vertically extending columns  22  and  24  generally C-shaped connect by a generally rectangular web  26  having, in the present instance, a series of generally rectangular openings  28  arranged in two rows R 1  and R 2  which facilitates horizontal ventilation of the batteries mounted in the rack assembly to thereby improve battery performance. The foot of each column  24  has a depending tang  30  formed therein adapted to engage in a slot  32  formed in the anchor  20 . The anchor  20  as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B is an elongated channel-shaped member of U-shaped cross section having a generally rectangular base  34  and a pair of upstanding side walls  36  which at their outer terminal ends are beveled as at  38 . The base  34  of the anchor is reinforced by a pad  40  adjacent the anchor mounting hole  42 . The end frame members  12  and  14  are easy to assemble to the anchor  20  by simply inserting the tangs  30  into the slot  32  and welding the parts in place as at  44 . Note, the transverse width W of the columns  22  and  24  is essentially the same width as the spacing S between the side walls  36  of the anchor  20  so that the feet of the vertical columns  22  and  24  snugly embrace the side wall  36  when the vertical frame is assembled to the anchor  20 . This adds to the rigidity of the rack. Note that the pads and anchor holes  42  project beyond the vertical frame and shelf support channels for easy access. 
     Since there are only two main structural components, the end frame members  12  and  14  provide ease of installation. The ventilation slots  28  produce good generally horizontal air flow for improving battery performance. (See FIGS. 5A and 5B showing air flow.) The webs  46  between the ventilation slots guide the batteries into position for ease of installation of the batteries as explained in more details below. The frame configuration and design provide symmetry so that are no left or right considerations providing ease of installation and manufacture. 
     There is shown in FIG. 2E a modification of the end frames wherein a series of vent openings  45  are provides in the webs to further enhance cooling air flow to improve batteries performance. 
     Bolt holes  48 , 50  are provided in the vertically extending end faces  47  of columns  22  and  24  of the vertical frame members to attach the shelf support channels  16  and battery shield brackets  96 . As illustrated, there are a series of vertically spaced bolt holes  48  arranged in pairs for mounting the shelf support channels  16  and a series of vertically oriented pairs of bolt holes  50  for supporting brackets  96  for the battery shield  94 . As illustrated in FIG. 2B, shelf support channels  16  are supported between the end frames  12  and  14  by bolts  54  at opposite terminal ends to provide a rigid support structure when all of the shelf support channels  16  are in place. 
     The shelves  18  for the battery rack assembly comprise a generally rectangular support panel section  56  having a depending flange  58  along the front edge thereof which has a series of bolt holes  60 . The panel section  56  is divided into three zones Z 1 , Z 2  and Z 3  by transversely extending alternating rows of spaced slots  62  and a series of upwardly projecting dimples  64 . The slots  62  provide a vertical flow path for further ventilation of the batteries to further enhance battery performance. The dimples space the rows of batteries and jackets to enhance any flow. The shelves  18  are fixed in place by pairs of bolts  65  at each of the bolt hole locations which as illustrated in FIGS. 2C and 2D, engage through the adjacent innermost bolt holes in the shelf and aligned bolt holes in the channel support member  16 . 
     Consider now the battery jacket J which is best illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The jacket J comprise two parts, top and bottom halves  70  and  72 , each formed from a single piece of sheet material to the configuration shown. As illustrated, the two parts  70  and  72  are identical and comprise generally rectangular top and bottom panels  74  and  76 . The top and bottom panels  74  and  76  have partial side and bottom walls which mate in the final configuration to form a box-like structure shown in FIG.  3 B. Note that the jacket halves  70 ,  72  are welded together as at  78 . The parts are provided with complementary buttons  80  and round locating holes  82  and enlarged obround locating holes  83  to position the jacket parts properly when performing the final weldment. The open end of the jacket J has upwardly and downwardly projecting ears  84  and  86  which project forwardly of the front edge of the jacket J and are staggered relative to one another for a purpose to be described. 
     Consider now use of a battery rack assembly  10  of the present invention. Batteries B are inserted into the jackets J, which happens at the battery manufacturing plant prior to charging and bulging. 
     The jackets J, including batteries B, are loaded into the compartments defined by the shelves  18  and the shelf support channels  16  as shown in FIG.  4 . Note that in this position the ears  84  and  86  of the adjacent jackets J are in side-by-side array by reason of the staggered configuration of the ears  84  and  86 . The jackets J are secured to the shelves  18  and the shelf support channels  16  by means of bolts  65  extending through the center hole  67  of the three-hole array in the jacket ears  84  and  86 . 
     It is noted that when the battery B bottoms in the jacket J, the seam S at the juncture of the cover C and jar J is located forward of the front edge E of the jacket defining the opening therein to thereby prevent damage to the seam S during insertion. Further, it is noted that the ears  84  and  86  project forwardly to allow assembly of the flat battery retainer bars  90  and  92 . As shown in FIG. 6, jackets J are guided into the zones or rows Z 1 , Z 2  and Z 3  defined by the dimples  64  so that they are spaced apart and create air ventilating channels  62  for enhancing battery performance. It also aligns the bolt openings in the ears  84  and  86  with the corresponding holes  60  in the front flange  58  of the shelf  18 . The batteries B are then fixed in place in the rack by means of retainer bars  90  and  92 . The retainer bar  90  has two bolt hole openings (not shown) and an enlarged central opening  55  which circumscribes/overlies the bolt heads  65  securing the jacket J to the rack  10  and is used on the lowermost and uppermost jacket to secure the battery in place in the upper and lowermost rows. The battery retainer bar  92  is elongated and has two sets of three openings  100 ,  101  and  102  for use in the intermediate rows in the manner shown in FIG.  8 . Note, the retaining bars  90  seating or securing the batteries in the uppermost and lowermost rows, the openings are offset to one side so that the lower portion of the retaining overlaps the cover of the battery in the manner shown in FIG.  8 A. The bars  90  and  92  are provided with elongated strips extending along top and bottom edges to provide a cushion effect when securing the retaining bars in place. The openings in the longer bars  92  are centrally located to the bar to provide the same overlap with the cover in adjacent rows in the manner shown in FIG.  8 B. 
     In some instances, a shield  94  overlying the front of the rack is used to further protect the batteries and to protect persons from the batteries&#39; exposed, live connectors. The shield  94  in the present instance comprises of two generally rectangular, clear plastic sections which are supported over the front face of the rack by S-shaped brackets  96  secured to the vertical columns  22 ,  24 ,  24   a  of the frame members  12  and  14 . The plastic sheets  94  are provided with key-hole slots  98  at their corners for cooperative engagement with headed fastening elements  99  carried by the outer end of the brackets  96 . 
     Even though particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not intended to limit the invention and changes and modifications may be made therein within the scope of the following claims.