Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a container and more particularly relates to a top cover member of the container with an integrated handle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Constantly rising fuel costs and concerns regarding climate change has affected customer choice and promoted use of alternate energy sources for transport. With advancements in technology, electric and hybrid electric vehicles have become cheaper to acquire, own and maintain for customers. Thus, electric and hybrid electric vehicles have become sustainable and lucrative options in comparison to conventional internal combustion vehicles in current market scenario. Electric vehicles are typically driven by a motor which draws power from an energy source like a battery. Hybrid electric vehicles, on the other hand, are powered by an internal combustion engine as well as an energy source like the battery, depending upon requirements of a rider of the vehicle and based on predetermined conditionalities.
[003] Consequently, usage of electric or hybrid vehicles for commuting has emerged as an alternative to traditional internal combustion vehicles. However, one challenge existing in using the electric vehicles is the range of distance the vehicle can travel on a single charge of a battery pack of the vehicle. This is a cause of an anxiety to a user of the vehicle as range, charging times and location of charging stations need to be kept in mind while using the vehicle over longer distances. Further, in case of battery failure it becomes a tedious task for the user to replace the battery. The user will have to wait till the fault in the battery is fixed before being able to use the vehicle.
[004] Swappable battery packs are a solution to the range problem in electric vehicles. Since electric vehicles use comparatively smaller battery packs, the battery pack once totally discharged may be swapped by the user for a fully charged battery pack at a battery swapping station. This way the user will not have to plug in the electric vehicle for a prolonged time period to charge the battery or batteries of the vehicle. In conventional designs of electric scooter type vehicles, the battery pack or battery packs for providing motive force to the vehicle are located either under a seat or under a floorboard of the vehicle or both. The battery packs that are located under the seat may be removed by opening the seat.
[005] However, battery packs are heavy due to weight of the battery cells inside. Battery packs of higher power rating weigh proportionally more. Therefore, appropriate provisions need to be provided in the battery pack or an exterior container housing the battery pack for ease of removability and replacement of the battery pack, which is a necessity for battery swapping. This reduces risk of an operator or a user dropping the battery pack. Impact under dropping of the battery pack may damage it resulting in property loss, or may hurt the user or can lead to a thermal runaway situations due to internal damage to the battery cells and electrical connections.
[006] Generally, a strap which is attached to the battery pack or a casing of the battery pack is used to grip and carry the battery pack into and out of its storage space in the vehicle. However, use of the strap increases number of parts and is not rigid. Also, over time fasteners used to attach the strap to the battery pack may come loose and the strap may come off while carrying the battery pack. Similarly, any rigid handle fastened to the battery pack may also come loose under stress or vibration and cause the battery pack to detach and fall while carrying it.
[007] Thus, there is a need in the art for a battery pack or a container for a battery pack having a sturdy and ergonomic handle convenient for safely carrying the battery pack and for battery swapping, which addresses at least the aforementioned problems and limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[008] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a container. The container includes a casing formed by a base wall and side walls extending orthogonally from the base wall, such that the base wall and the side walls define a cavity therebetween. The casing has an opening opposite the base wall which leads into the cavity. A top cover member is disposed over the opening of the casing to seal the cavity of the casing. The top cover member includes an upper surface and a lower surface, such that the lower surface is disposed over the opening of the casing. Further, a handle is integrally formed with the top cover member and the handle projects outwardly of the cavity of the casing. The top cover member has a depression projecting towards the cavity of the casing, such that at least a portion of the depression is below and along at least a portion of a length of the handle. The handle and the depression of the top cover member enables holding of the handle without interference with the top cover member.
[009] In an embodiment, the handle includes at least two ends integrally connected to the top cover member. The first end is disposed opposite the second end. The first end and the second end of the handle defines the length of the handle. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the first end of the handle is parallelly placed over the upper surface of the top cover member.
[010] In an embodiment, the top cover member has a protrusion extending outwardly of the cavity of the casing. The protrusion is formed integrally with the top cover member and at least the first end of the handle. In another embodiment, the protrusion includes an elevation and a curved portion at the first end of the handle.
[011] In an embodiment, the container includes a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the cavity of the casing. In another embodiment, the container includes a plurality of fuel cells accommodated in the cavity of the casing.
[012] In an embodiment, the top cover member is adapted to be attached to the side walls of the casing using one or more attachment means including fastening means such as but not limited to fasteners, nut-bolt or welding.
[013] In an embodiment, the top cover member includes a skirting defining a periphery of the top cover member. The skirting rests on the side walls of the casing. In another embodiment, the skirting of the top cover member has a plurality of first bosses integrated with the skirting. Further, each of the plurality of first bosses is adapted to receive at least one fastener to detachably attach the top cover member to the side walls of the casing. In yet another embodiment, the skirting of the top cover member has a plurality of recesses corresponding to the plurality of first bosses. The plurality of recesses prevents interference between the top cover member and the corresponding at least one fastener.
[014] In a further embodiment, the side walls of the casing include a plurality of second bosses corresponding to the plurality of first bosses of the top cover member. Each of the plurality of second bosses is coaxially aligned with the corresponding each of the plurality of first bosses and adapted to receive the corresponding at least one fastener to detachably attach the top cover member to the side walls of the casing. In another embodiment, the plurality of first bosses of the top cover member and the plurality of second bosses of the side walls of the casing are disposed outwardly of the cavity of the casing. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of first bosses of the top cover member and the plurality of second bosses of the side walls of the casing are disposed along the opening of the casing.
[015] In an embodiment, the top cover member includes at least one connecting port adapted to connect the container to an electrical source and/or an electrical sink. In another embodiment, the at least one connecting port is disposed close to the first end of the handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[016] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary top cover member of the container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of the top cover member of the container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a side elevation view of the container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[017] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[018] The present invention generally relates to a container and more particularly relates to a top cover member of the container with an integrated handle. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the container is used to house a battery pack or one or more battery modules. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any use of the container capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present invention.
[019] Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary container 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the container 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the container includes a casing 20. The casing 20 is formed by a base wall 22 and side walls 24 extending orthogonally from the base wall 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the casing 20 has a cuboidal shape with four side walls 24 extending orthogonally from the base wall 22. In an embodiment, the base wall 22 is a separate component from the side walls 22 and is attached to the side walls 24 by any attachment method known in the art. Further, the base wall 22 and the side walls 24 together define a cavity 30 therebetween. The casing 20 also has an opening 32 which is opposite to the base wall 22 through which the cavity 30 can be accessed. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 32 is at a top portion of the casing 20 and the base wall 22 is at a bottom portion of the casing 20. The cavity 30 is adapted to accommodate one or more elements like battery cells or fuel cells which can be disposed therein. In an embodiment, the casing 20 is adapted to accommodate a plurality of battery cells in its cavity 30. In another embodiment, the casing 20 is adapted to accommodate a plurality of fuel cells in its cavity 30. In an embodiment, the base wall 22 has a plurality of element holders to receive and hold securely the one or more elements which are accommodated in the cavity 30 of the casing 20.
[020] A top cover member 50 is disposed over the opening 32 of the casing 20 in order to seal the cavity 30 of the casing 20. Thus, the top cover member 50 closes the opening 32 to seal the cavity 30 and the elements disposed therein. The container 10 further includes a handle 60. The handle 60 is integrally formed with the top cover member 50 and projects outwardly of the cavity 30 of the casing 20. Thus, the handle 60 projects to an exterior of the top cover member 50 and the cavity 30 enabling an operator or a user to hold the handle 60 to lift, lower and carry the container 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 60 projects towards a top of the top cover member 50. The handle 60 can be integrally formed with the top cover member 50 using any manufacturing method known in the art. In an embodiment, the handle 60 is integrally moulded along with the top cover member 50. Furthermore, the top cover member 50 has a depression 52 projecting towards the cavity 30 of the casing 20. At least a portion of the depression 52 is below and along at least a portion of a length of the handle 60 to enable holding of the handle 60 without interference with the top cover member 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the depression 52 in the top cover member 50 overlaps with the handle 60. The depression 52 and the handle 60 project in opposite directions with respect to one another to create a clearance between the handle 60 and the top cover member 50. Thus, the operator or the user can hold the handle 60 to lift, lower and carry the container 10 without their hand interfering with the top cover member 50 while holding the handle 60. The function of the handle 60 is to provide a rigid support to the hand of the operator or the user while the container 10 is picked up and carried. The handle 60 is designed to support the whole weight of the container 10 along with the one or more elements contained therein, i.e., the one or more elements which are accommodated in the cavity 30 of the casing 20. The depression 52 provided below the handle 60 provides space for the hand to go in and grip the handle 60 easily. Since the handle 60 is integrated with the top cover member 50, there is no need for fasteners or any other joining mechanism between the handle 60 and the top cover member 50. Thus, the handle 60 is very sturdy and there is less risk of it becoming detached while carrying the container 10.
[021] In an embodiment, the handle 60 has at least two ends 62, 64 integrally connected to the top cover member 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 62 is disposed opposite the second end 64, and the first end 62 and the second end 64 defines the length of the handle 60, i.e., the handle 60 extends between its first end 62 and its second end 64. In another embodiment, the top cover member 50 includes at least one connecting port 58 to connect the container 10 to an energy source and/or an energy sink. The connecting port 58 enables in connecting the one or more elements which are accommodated in the cavity 30 of the casing 20 to the energy source and/or the energy sink. In an embodiment, the connecting port 58 is adapted to connect the plurality of battery cells accommodated in the cavity 30 to an electrical source and/or an electrical sink to charge or discharge the plurality of battery cells, as the case may be. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one connecting port 58 is disposed close to the first end 62 of the handle 60.
[022] In an embodiment, the top cover member 50 is adapted to be attached to the side walls 24 of the casing 20 using one or more attachment means. The one or more attachment means can be any attachment means conventionally used in the art like fastening means such as but not limited to fasteners, nut-bolt or welding, etc. In an embodiment, the top cover member 50 and the base wall 22 are both attached to the side walls 24 of the casing 20 using the same attachment means. In another embodiment, the top cover member 50 has a skirting 54 which defines a periphery of the top cover member 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the periphery of the top cover member 50 matches with a periphery of the opening 32 defined by the side walls 24 of the casing 20. This ensures that a proper sealing of the cavity 30 of the casing 20 can be achieved by closing the opening 32 with the top cover member 50. The skirting 54 rests on the side walls 24 of the casing 20. In an embodiment, a bottom portion of the skirting 54 partially overlaps with a corresponding protrusion provided at the periphery of the opening 32 defined by the side walls 24 of the casing 20 for locating the top cover member 50 on the side walls 24 and for proper fit.
[023] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary top cover member 50 of the container 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The skirting 54 of the top cover member 50 has a plurality of first bosses 154 integrated with the skirting 54. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of first bosses 154 are adapted to receive at least one fastener 150 (shown in Figure 5) to detachably attach the top cover member 50 to the side walls 24 of the casing 20. In another embodiment, the skirting 54 of the top cover member 50 has a plurality of recesses 156 corresponding to the plurality of first bosses 154, i.e., one recess 156 corresponds to one first boss 154. The plurality of recesses 156 are adapted to prevent interference between the top cover member 50 and the corresponding one fastener 150 when the fastener 150 is fastened or unfastened respectively to attach or remove the top cover member 50.
[024] Figure 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of the top cover member 50 of the container 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The top cover member 50 has an upper surface 53 and a lower surface 55, such that the lower surface 55 is disposed over the opening 32 of the casing 20. The upper surface 53 is disposed opposite to the lower surface 55 of the top cover member 50. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the first end 62 of the handle 60 is parallelly placed over the upper surface 53 of the top cover member 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface 53 of the top cover member 50 is not parallel to the handle 60 where the depression 52 of the top cover member 50 transitions into an undepressed portion of the top cover member 50. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the top cover member 50 includes a protrusion 66 (also shown in Figure 6) extending outwardly of the cavity 30 of the casing 20. The protrusion 66 is formed integrally with the top cover member 50 and at least the first end 62 of the handle 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 66 has an elevation and a curved portion at the first end 62 of the handle 60.
[025] Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the container 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 6 illustrates a side elevation view of the container 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the side walls 24 of the casing 20 include a plurality of second bosses 124 corresponding to the plurality of first bosses 154 of the top cover member 50, i.e., one second boss 124 corresponds to one first boss 154. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of second bosses 124 is coaxially aligned with the corresponding first boss 154. Each of the plurality of second bosses 124 is adapted to receive the corresponding fastener 150 to detachably attach the top cover member 50 to the side walls 24 of the casing 20. In an embodiment, the plurality of first bosses 154 of the top cover member 50 and the plurality of second bosses 124 of the side walls 24 of the casing 20 are disposed outside of the cavity 30 of the casing 20. This enables the top cover member 50 to be fastened to the side walls 24 of the casing 20 by the fasteners 150 after closing the opening 32 with the top cover member 50, and also saves space inside the cavity 30 of the casing 20. In another embodiment, the plurality of first bosses 154 of the top cover member 50 and the plurality of second bosses 124 of the side walls 24 of the casing 20 are disposed along the opening 32 of the casing 20. Thus, the fasteners 150 are located in the vicinity of the opening 32 of the casing 20.
[026] Advantageously, the present claimed invention provides a container and a top cover member of the container with an integrated handle. The top cover member has a depression below and along at least a portion of a length of the handle to enable holding of the handle without interference between the top cover member and the hand of the operator or the user holding the handle. The claimed configurations of the container as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed configurations of the container enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the present invention achieves a sturdy and rigid handle integrated with the top cover member of the container which is not prone to becoming detached under repeated use, vibrations, etc. The integrated handle avoids the need to use extra fasteners or other mounting means to attach handle to the container. The depression provided creates a clearance space between the handle and the top cover member, which allows the operator’s hand to go around the handle and grip the handle easily. The depression also aids in avoiding strain in the hand while carrying the container. Thus, the container can be effectively employed to accommodate battery modules for swappable battery packs. This would enable the battery packs to be removed and replaced with ease at charging stations and handled easily at assembly lines, service stations, etc. The provision of at least one connecting port in the vicinity of the handle allows for easily connecting and disconnecting a power cord to the battery pack. Connector to connecting terminal contact resistance malfunction due to vibration, water and foreign objects at the bottom of a loading cavity in a vehicle which is a cause of connector to connecting terminal contact resistance failure can also be overcome. The integrated handle that does not require attachment to the container allows for design flexibility and designs offering maximum ergonomic comfort to grip the handle and lift, lower and carry the container can be adopted. Further, the handle not being limited by strength of the fastening means with the container, can be adapted to support larger weights. Other advantages include increased durability, better aesthetics, easy serviceability, ease of assembly, better ergonomics, overall weight reduction, reduction in total number of parts used, cost reduction and comfortable handling of the container.
[027] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
10 - container
20 - casing
22 - base wall of casing
24 - side walls of casing
124 - plurality of second bosses of casing
30 - cavity of casing
32 - opening of casing
50 - top cover member
150 - fastener
52 - depression of top cover member
53 - upper surface of top cover member
54 - skirting of top cover member
154 - plurality of first bosses of top cover member
55 - lower surface of top cover member
156 - plurality of recesses
58 - connecting port
60 - handle
62 - first end of handle
64 - second end of handle
66 - protrusion of top cover member

 
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A container (10) comprising:
a casing (20) formed by a base wall (22) and side walls (24) extending orthogonally from the base wall (22), the base wall (22) and the side walls (24) defining a cavity (30) therebetween, and the casing (20) having an opening (32) opposite the base wall (22);
a top cover member (50) comprising an upper surface (53) and a lower surface (55), wherein the lower surface (55) being disposed over the opening (32) of the casing (20), the top cover member (50) configured to seal the cavity (30) of the casing (20); and
a handle (60) integrally formed with the top cover member (50), the handle (60) projecting outwardly of the cavity (30) of the casing (20),
wherein the top cover member (50) having a depression (52) projecting towards the cavity (30) of the casing (20), and at least a portion of the depression (52) being below and along at least a portion of a length of the handle (60) to enable holding of the handle (60) without interference with the top cover member (50).

2. The container (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle (60) comprising at least two ends (62, 64) integrally connected to the top cover member (50), wherein the first end (62) is disposed opposite the second end (64) and wherein the first end (62) and the second end (64) defining the length of the handle (60).

3. The container (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the first end (62) of the handle (60) is parallelly placed over the upper surface (53) of the top cover member (50).

4. The container (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the top cover member (50) comprising a protrusion (66) extending outwardly of the cavity (30) of the casing (20), and wherein the protrusion (66) formed integrally with the top cover member (50) and at least the first end (62) of the handle (60).

5. The container (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the protrusion (66) comprising an elevation and a curved portion at the first end (62) of the handle (60).

6. The container (10) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the cavity (30) of the casing (20).

7. The container (10) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a plurality of fuel cells accommodated in the cavity (30) of the casing (20).

8. The container (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top cover member (50) is configured to be attached to the side walls (24) of the casing (20), using one or more attachment means and wherein the one or more attachment means are fastening means comprising at least one of fasteners, nut-bolt or welding.

9. The container (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top cover member (50) comprising a skirting (54) defining a periphery of the top cover member (50), and wherein the skirting (54) resting on the side walls (24) of the casing (20).

10. The container (10) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the skirting (54) of the top cover member (50) comprising a plurality of first bosses (154) integrated with the skirting (54) of the top cover member (50), and wherein each of the plurality of first bosses (154) configured to receive at least one fastener (150) to detachably attach the top cover member (50) to the side walls (24) of the casing (20).

11. The container (10) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the skirting (54) of the top cover member (50) comprising a plurality of recesses (156) corresponding to the plurality of first bosses (154), and wherein the plurality of recesses (156) configured to prevent interference between the top cover member (50) and the corresponding at least one fastener (150).

12. The container (10) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the side walls (24) of the casing (20) comprising a plurality of second bosses (124) corresponding to the plurality of first bosses (154) of the top cover member (50), and wherein each of the plurality of second bosses (124) is coaxially aligned with the corresponding each of the plurality of first bosses (154) and configured to receive the corresponding at least one fastener (150) to detachably attach the top cover member (50) to the side walls (24) of the casing (20).

13. The container (10) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the plurality of first bosses (154) of the top cover member (50) and the plurality of second bosses (124) of the side walls (24) of the casing (20) are disposed outwardly of the cavity (30) of the casing (20).

14. The container (10) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the plurality of first bosses (154) of the top cover member (50) and the plurality of second bosses (124) of the side walls (24) of the casing (20) are disposed along the opening (32) of the casing (20).

15. The container (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top cover member (50) comprising at least one connecting port (58) configured to connect the container (10) to an energy source and/or an energy sink.

16. The container (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the at least one connecting port (58) is disposed close to the first end (62) of the handle (60).