Patent Publication Number: US-11024916-B2

Title: String trimmer battery housing assembly

Description:
The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/713,411, filed May 15, 2015, entitled “String Trimmer Battery Housing Assembly”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a battery-powered string trimmer. More particularly, the invention relates to a battery-powered string trimmer having a battery housing assembly, configured to protect the battery from impacts and permit easy storage. 
     Conventional string trimmers are generally used for horizontal trimming and vertical edging of lawn. Typically, string trimmers include a handle, a motor, a power source, and an elongated shaft and a lower cutting head from which the string cutting element extends and rotates to cut grass, weeds, and other vegetation. String trimmers may be powered by combustible fuel engines or electric motors. The versions driven by electric motors may be connected to a line source such as 120 volt alternating current electric power, or they may be powered by a battery pack or other source of direct current electrical power. 
     Most battery-powered string trimmers conventionally have a motor provided at a lower end of the elongated shaft and are actuated by a trigger provided in the handle assembly. Some conventional battery-powered string trimmers provide the battery in conjunction with the handle assembly, as a unitary system, while other string trimmers provide the battery at the opposing end portion of the elongated support shaft. In both of these configurations, the battery and/or housing is susceptible to damage if dropped on a surface. 
     In general, batteries used to power handheld devices, such as the string trimmer, are relatively heavy, as well as expensive. As such, during operation, the overall weight of the battery may on occasion cause the user to accidentally drop the battery end of the string trimmer, causing the battery housing to forcibly impact a surrounding surface. The overall weight of the battery, and thus force of the impact, may cause damage to the housing of the string trimmer, and/or to the battery itself. 
     Most string trimmers on the market do not provide a battery housing assembly configured to adequately protect the battery, and withstand a forceful impact with a hard surface, such as the ground or concrete. Further, most battery housing assemblies do not provide a battery housing assembly that facilitate the string trimmer to be mounted or stored in generally horizontal, as well as vertical position. 
     SUMMARY 
     In light of the present need for a string trimmer with a protective battery housing assembly, a brief summary of various exemplary embodiments is presented. Some simplifications and omissions may be made in the following summary, which is intended to highlight and introduce some aspects of the various exemplary embodiments, but not to limit the scope of the invention. Detailed descriptions of a preferred exemplary embodiment adequate to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventive concepts will follow in later sections. 
     The battery housing assembly, connected to a support shaft assembly of a string trimmer, includes a base housing member defining a chamber configured to receive a battery therein. The base housing member includes a frontal member configured to engage a front of the battery, a top member extending from the frontal member and configured to engage the top portion of the battery, and a bottom member, configured to engage a bottom portion of the battery. 
     A first support bracket extends between the top member and bottom member on a first side of the base housing and a second support bracket extends between the top member and bottom member on an opposing second side of the base housing. A first side member is configured to be removably connected to a first side of the base housing, and a second side member is configured to be removably connected to a second side of the base member housing. 
     In an embodiment of the battery housing assembly, the base housing member, frontal member, and bottom member define a generally rectangular-shaped chamber configured to receive a battery therein. 
     In an embodiment of the battery housing assembly, the top member of the base housing includes a first groove member and a second groove member configured to engage a top portion of the battery therein, to facilitate fastening of the battery within the base housing member. 
     In an embodiment of the battery housing assembly, the top member of the base housing provides a latch member configured to selectively engage a top portion of an inserted battery to facilitate securing the battery within the battery housing. 
     In an embodiment of the battery housing assembly, the top portion of the base housing has a composite rubber exterior to absorb impacts and the first side member and second side member are comprised of a resilient material to absorb impacts. 
     In an embodiment of the battery housing assembly, each side member has a first projection and second projection, such that in a connect position, each of the respective first projection and second projection extend beyond the outer edge of the base housing member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order to better understand various exemplary embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental perspective view of a string trimmer having a protective battery housing assembly with a skid plate assembly attached thereto; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the battery housing assembly of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the side members of the battery housing assembly in a unattached position; 
         FIG. 3  is an interior sectional side view of a base housing member of the interior battery housing assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an interior side view of an exemplary side member of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the battery housing assembly of  FIG. 1 , with the skid plate assembly attached thereto; 
         FIG. 6  is side view of the battery housing assembly of  FIG. 1 , with the skid plate assembly attached thereto; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the battery housing assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is side view of the string trimmer assembly of  FIG. 1 , in a generally horizontally mounted position, illustrating battery housing assembly and skid plate assembly engaged with a generally flat surface; 
         FIG. 9A  is a rear perspective view of the string trimmer battery housing assembly with the battery provided therein; 
         FIG. 9B  is a rear perspective view of the string trimmer battery housing assembly illustrating a chamber for receiving a battery; 
         FIG. 10  is a side perspective sectional view of the battery housing assembly; 
         FIG. 11A  is side perspective view of an embodiment of the battery housing assembly, illustrating an armrest for providing a soft feel to the user when in contact with the battery housing; and, 
         FIG. 11B  is a side sectional view of the battery housing assembly of  FIG. 11A . 
     
    
    
     To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used to designate elements having substantially the same or similar structure and/or substantially the same or similar function. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Most string trimmers are configured with an elongated shaft configuration. The elongated configuration has several key components provided across an extended distance, which makes it difficult for a user to fully protect the components at all times. For example, components at the end of the string trimmer opposite the cutting head, such as the battery, may extend beyond the user&#39;s body resulting in a greater chance that those components may strike obstacles resulting in damage. Also, damage may occur when the string trimmer is dropped. The elongated configuration of the shaft of the string trimmer also limits the options to mount or store the string trimmer after use. Further, most string trimmer batteries are relatively heavy and expensive and would be damaged in the event of a large impact. 
     Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a string trimmer assembly having a protective battery housing assembly configured to protect the battery from impact. It is further desirable to provide a removably attachable skid plate, configured to provide a buffer for the string trimmer when stored in a horizontal manner, and a hook permitting the string trimmer to be hung in a vertical manner. 
     The foregoing advantages of the invention are illustrative of those that can be achieved by the various exemplary embodiments and are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the possible advantages which can be realized. Thus, these and other advantages of the various exemplary embodiments will be apparent from the description herein or can be learned from practicing the various exemplary embodiments, both as embodied herein or as modified in view of any variation that may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention resides in the novel methods, arrangements, combinations, and improvements herein shown and described in various exemplary embodiments. 
     The battery housing assembly and skid plate assembly for the string trimmer, are configured to securely encase a conventional battery unit, protecting the battery unit from impact in the event of being dropped. Referring now to the drawings, wherein the illustrations are for purposes of describing one or more embodiments and not for the purposes of limiting the same,  FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of the string trimmer assembly  10  including an elongated support shaft assembly  12 , a handle assembly  14 , provided along the support shaft assembly  12 , a motor assembly  16  provided generally at a distal end  18  of the support shaft assembly  12 , and a protective battery housing assembly  20 , provided generally at a proximal end  23  or rearward end of the support shaft assembly  12 . As shown, the battery housing assembly  20  includes a bottom protective member, which may be a skid plate assembly  22 , configured for removable engagement with the battery housing assembly  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the battery housing assembly  20  generally includes as base housing member  24  comprising housing members  24   a  and  24   b,  configured for receiving the insertion of a battery  26  therein. Notably, the housing members  24   a  and  24   b  are mirror images, thus for purposes of this description, all references to features on one of the housing members are also present in the other housing member. Alternatively, the base housing member  24  may also be provided as a unitary integral structure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the base housing member  24   a  generally includes a front end member  28   a  configured to receivably engage a frontal portion of the battery  26  in an inserted position. The base housing member  24   a  further includes a top member  32   a,  and an opposing bottom member,  34   a  which in cooperation define a chamber  40  configured to receive insertion of the battery  26  therein. The battery housing assembly  20  further includes a plurality of electrical components  98  provided therein to deliver power from the battery  26  to the motor assembly  16  and control operation of the string trimmer (see also  FIGS. 2 and 10 ). 
     The top member  32   a  extends from the front end member  28   a,  and is configured to receivably engage a top portion of the battery  26 . The bottom member  34   a  also extends from the front member  28   a,  and is configured to support a lower portion of the battery  26 , when in an inserted position. As shown, the exterior portions of the bottom member  34   a  and top member  32   a  are connected by first support bracket  36   a  on one side of the base housing member  24   a,  and a second support bracket  36   b,  is provided on the opposite side of the base housing member  24   b.  Each respective support bracket  36   a,    36   b  extends between the respective top member  32   a,    32   b  and bottom member  34   a,    34   b,  further defining the chamber  40  therein. 
     As shown, the top exterior portion  30   a  or armrest of the top member  32   a  includes a composite rubber exterior configured to provide cushioning to the user&#39;s arm during use, and further is capable of absorbing an impact if the string trimmer is dropped. The top exterior portion  30   a  includes a plurality of projections  33   a  provided along the exterior. In the event that string trimmer is dropped or impacts a surface, the projections  33   a  also provide for impact absorption. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , an interior  39  of the top member  32  generally includes a latch assembly  42 , and one or more groove members  46   a,    46   b,  providing a space  47  configured to receive a top portion of the battery  26  therein, when the battery  26  is in an inserted portion. As shown, the latch assembly  42  is generally a spring loaded lever  43  with a detent  44 , biased in a locking position. 
     In an inserted position, the detent  44  engages a portion of the battery  26 , locking the battery  26  in the chamber  40 . Groove members  46   a,    46   b  extend along the interior top portion, providing a space to receive insertion of a rib portion of the battery  26  therein. In an inserted position, the battery  26  may be released from the chamber  40 , by depressing the latch  42 , thus lifting the detent  44  from an engaged position with the battery  26 , to an unengaged position, and sliding the battery  26  out of the chamber  40 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the battery housing assembly  20  further includes dual side members  60   a  and  60   b,  configured to engage the base housing members  24   a  and  24   b,  forming a protective cage to for the battery  26 . Notably, the side members  60   a  and  60   b  are mirror images. Accordingly, for purposes of discussion, all features disclosed on one of the side members also are present on the other side member. The side members  60   a  and  60   b,  are configured for removable connection to the outer side exterior of the base housing members  24   a  and  24   b.  As shown, the side members  60   a  and  60   b  may be removably connected to the base housing members  24   a  and  24   b  with fasteners  62   a  and  62   b,  as further shown in  FIG. 2 . The removable feature of the side members  60   a,    60   b  allows a user to replace one or both of the side members  60   a,    60   b  in the event of damage, without replacing the entire housing structure. 
     As further illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , each housing member  24   a,    24   b  have respective openings  41   a,    41   b,  and one or more apertures  63   a,    63   b  formed generally about the periphery of the respective openings  41   a,    41   b  for receiving respective fasteners  62   a,    62   b  therein, In this example, the apertures  63   a,    63   b  are formed generally about the four corners of the respective openings  41 ,  41   b.  Additionally, each respective side member  60   a,    60   b  also includes one or more apertures  67   a,    67   b  configured to receive respective fasteners  62   a,    62   b  therein, for fastening the respective side member  60   a,    60   b  to the respective housing member  24   a,    24   b.    
     As further shown, each side member  60   a,  and  60   b  has an interior configured for engagement with a respective base housing member  24   a  and  24   b.  The side members  60   a,    60   b  each include respective top foot portions  64   a,    64   b  and a bottom foot portion  65   a,    65   b  (not shown) extending generally inward for engagement with corresponding foot portions  69   a,    71   a  (not shown) and  69   b,    71   b  of the base housing members  24   a,    24   b.  Further, each side member  60   a,    60   b  has a respective abutment  58   a  and  58   b  (not shown), extending along the rear of the respective side members  60   a,    60   b,  and defining a respective groove  59   a  (as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 ) and  59   b  (not shown) configured to receive respective support brackets  36   a,    36   b  of the respective base housing member  24   a,    24   b  therein. 
     Further, each side member  60   a,    60   b  has a respective first projection  82   a,    82   b  provided at the end top portion of the respective side member  60   a,    60   b,  and a second projection  83   a,    83   b  provided at the end bottom portion of the side member  60   a,    60   b.  As depicted in  FIG. 5 , in a connected position, the first projection  82   b  and second projection  83   b  extends beyond the outer edge of the base housing members  24   b,  providing protection to the rear portion of the connected battery  26 . 
     The respective side members  60   a,    60   b  further include one or more apertures  84 ,  86  formed therein. The respective apertures  84 ,  86  reduce the weight of the side members  60   a,    60   b,  and further permit a user to view the battery  26 , inserted therein. 
     As further shown in  FIGS. 5-8 , the skid plate assembly  22  is removably attachable to the base housing member  24 . The bottom exterior portion  66  of the base housing member  24  provides a base member  68  extending therefrom. The base member  68   b  provides a base for receiving removable connection of the skid plate assembly  22 . As shown, the skid plate assembly  22 , in a connected state, forms a generally U-shaped configuration with the base housing member  24 , providing a space  51  therebetween. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the skid plate assembly  22  includes a first base portion  70 , a second extension base portion  76  and a third mounting portion  78 . The skid plate assembly  22  is comprised of a generally flexible composite plastic material conducive for absorbing an impact, such as Xenoy, for example. The first portion  70  of the skid plate assembly  22  extends generally parallel to the bottom exterior portion  66  of the base housing members  24   a  and  24   b,  permitting secure operative engagement thereto. The first portion  70  provides a base to support the base housing members  24   a  and  24   b.  The first portion  70  includes a series of apertures  72   a  and  72   b,  formed therein. The apertures  72   a  and  72   b  are configured to receive respective plural fasteners  74   a  and  74   b,  to securely fasten the skid plate assembly  22  to the bottom exterior portion  66 , which is formed the combination of the housing members  24   a  and  24   b.    
     The second portion  76  of the skid plate assembly  22  extends generally perpendicularly upward from the first portion  70  to operatively engage a back portion of the base housing portion  24 . As such, the second portion  76 , in cooperation with the second projections  83   a,    83   b  of the respective side members  60   a,    60   b  provide enhanced protection to the back portion of the battery  26   
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the third mounting portion  78  of the skid plate assembly  22  has a generally flat configuration, which permits the skid plate assembly  22 , and the housing assembly  20  to be placed on an adjacent surface, for example the ground, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . The third portion  78  of the skid plate assembly  22  extends in a generally parallel manner relative to the bottom exterior portion  66  of the base housing portion  24 . As such, in a rested position, the skid plate assembly  22  engages the adjacent surface and spaces the handle assembly  14  from contact with the adjacent surface. This protects the handle assembly  14  from potential damage from the adjacent surface when the string trimmer  10  is in a rested position. 
     Additionally, the third portion  78  of the skid plate assembly  22  and the bottom portion  66  of the base housing portion  24  form a space  51  therebetween, permitting the string trimmer  10  to be hung vertically from the skid plate assembly  22  on a hook or upright surface. 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  show an alternate embodiment of the armrest provided on the string trimmer  120 , where instead of having projections, a single pad  130  is provided to permit compression when in contact with the user&#39;s arm. As illustrated the pad  130  is provided on the exterior of a top member  132  of a housing member  124 . The pad is cored out with a plurality of generally hollow cushion members  195 , which may have a triangular configuration. A battery  126  may be provided on the rear portion of the housing member  124 . 
     The pad  130  is provided along the exterior portion of the top member  132  such that when a user&#39;s arm engages the pad  130 , the cushion members  195  compress, absorbing contact with the user&#39;s arm, thus providing a soft feel to the user. The pad  130  may be manufactured with the housing member  124  by overmold tooling as an integral member. 
     Although the various exemplary embodiments have been described in detail with particular reference to certain exemplary aspects thereof, it should be understood that the invention is capable of other embodiments and its details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects. As is readily apparent to those skilled in the art, variations and modifications can be affected while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure, description, and figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not in any way limit the invention, which is defined only by the claims.