Claims:1. A retractable slide load holding system (100) for a vehicle (V) comprising:
a plurality of loads (106) packed together and housed in a movable base assembly (102),
said movable base assembly (102) is mounted on a tray member (101),
said tray member (101) is detachably attached to a chassis frame structure (104).

2. The retractable slide load holding system (100) for a vehicle (V) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tray member (101) comprising of
at least two primary members (401),
said primary member (401) configured to have
plurality of upstanding walls (402) defining plurality of pockets (411),
wherein each pocket (411) is receiving a roller (406);
at least two secondary members (403) secured to primary members (401) together forming predetermined rigid structure configuration,
and
a latch hook (408).

3. The retractable slide load holding system (100) for a vehicle (V) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said latch hook (408) is detachably attached to each of a reinforcement plate (407),
said reinforcement plate (407) is secured on each of the secondary members (403).

4. The retractable slide load holding system (100) for a vehicle (V) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said movable base assembly (102) comprising:
a top cover (201);
a base member (203), said base member (203) having a base member axis (T-T’) passing through its center in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X-X’) of the vehicle (V);
a locking device (208), said locking device (208) is detachably attached to the base member (203);
and
a cage assembly (202).

5. The retractable slide load holding system (100) for a vehicle (V) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said cage assembly (202) includes plurality of keys (212), said keys includes at least one vertical keys (212V) and at least one horizontal keys (212H).

6. The retractable slide load holding system (100) for a vehicle (V) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said load (106) is configured to have plurality of grooves (314) adapted to receive the at least one vertical keys (212V), said vertical key (212V) passing through respective groove (314) such that it forms a cage like structure enclosing the load (106).

7. The retractable slide load holding system (100) for a vehicle (V) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said at least one vertical key (212V) configured to have indentation (309), said each indentation (309) is configured to have a hole to receive a fastener (311) to detachably attach the horizontal key (212H).

8. The retractable slide load holding system (100) for a vehicle (V) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said base member (203) comprising:
a top plate (308), said top plate (308) configured to have a plurality of lugs (303);
and
a bottom plate assembly (302), wherein said bottom plate assembly (302) is attached to the top plate (308).

9. The retractable slide load holding system (100) for a vehicle (V) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said lugs (303) forms plurality of slots (304L, 304R) of varied lengths on an opposite side of the bottom plate assembly (302).

10. The retractable slide load holding system (100) for a vehicle (V) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said base member (203) comprising:
at least one handle mounting bracket (206), said handle mounting bracket (206) is fixedly attached to the base member (203);
at least one handle (213), said handle (213) is attached to handle mounting bracket (206);
at least two latch mounting brackets (205), said latch mounting bracket (205) is fixedly attached to the base member (203);
and
a plurality of latch plates (207), said latch plates (207) are detachably attached to each of the latch mounting bracket (205) using plurality of fasteners (209), such that the latch plate (207) is sandwiched between the latch mounting bracket (205) and the locking device (208).

11. The retractable slide load holding system (100) for a vehicle (V) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said top plate (308) includes plurality of openings (301L, 301R) centrally disposed along the base member axis (T-T’) of the top plate (308) to receive the plurality of vertical keys (212V).
12. The retractable slide load holding system (100) for a vehicle (V) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said plurality of openings (301L, 301R) comprising:
at least one first opening(301L) on a left side of the base member axis (T-T’),
and
at least one second opening (301R) on a right side of the base member axis (T-T’).

13. The retractable slide load holding system (100) for a vehicle (V) as claimed in claim 9, wherein plurality of slots (304L, 304R) comprising:
at least one first slot (304L) on a left side of the base member axis (T-T’),
and
at least one second slot (304R) on a right side of base member axis (T-T’).

14. The retractable slide load holding system (100) for a vehicle (V) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said at least one of the first slots (304L) length is equal to length of second opening (301R) and length of at least one of the second slots (304R) is equal to length of first opening (301L).

15. The retractable slide load holding system (100) for a vehicle (V) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said bottom plate assembly (302) comprising of
a pair of side plates (307),
and
a middle plate (306).

16. The retractable slide load holding system (100) for a vehicle (V) as claimed in claim 15, wherein said middle plate (306) configured to have bends (315) on its opposite ends to which side plates (307) are fixedly attached forming U – shaped slide rails (312) extends over entire length of the base member (203).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to the vehicle. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to retractable slide load holding structure for a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Over the past few years, the investment and market viability of the alternative powertrain vehicle are growing in a wide range because of high costs of fossil-based fuel and at the same time pressing need to be environment-friendly leading to alternative means of transportation. The alternative means includes electric vehicles, electric vehicles with or without a supplemental IC engine (i.e., hybrid electric vehicle) or fuel cell powered vehicles. The alternative powertrain vehicles are environmentally clean as it does not pollute the air during its operation and its operation is silent. Hence preference of users is rapidly shifting towards alternative powertrain vehicle for their regular usage. But fuel cell stacks or batteries must withstand predetermined temperature ranges as well as shock, vibration and abuse hence optimal placement & stable packaging of fuel cell packages or batteries without any compromise in space for luggage compartment or passenger compartment is always a challenge for automobile players.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view and side view of the alternative powertrain vehicle where few parts are omitted from the figure, as per preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0005] Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded view and localized view of the movable base assembly as per preferred embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the movable base assembly with localized views of base member, as per preferred embodiment of the present invention where few parts are omitted.
[0007] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the tray member with exploded localized views as per preferred embodiment of the present subject matter where few parts are omitted from the figure.
[0008] Fig. 5a illustrates a front and side view of locking device in engaged position as per preferred embodiment of the present subject matter where few parts are omitted from the figure.
[0009] Fig. 5b illustrates a rear and side view of locking device in a disengaged position as per preferred embodiment of the present subject matter where few parts are omitted from the figure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00010] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. Further "front" and "rear", and "left" and "right" referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen from a rear portion of the vehicle and looking forward. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis (X-X’) unless otherwise mentioned, refers to a front to rear axis relative to the vehicle, while a lateral axis (Y-Y’) unless otherwise mentioned, refers generally to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the vehicle.
[00011] It is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any vehicle without defeating the spirit of the present subject matter. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the present invention which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places. As detailed description is explained with an embodiment of a battery pack system which in another embodiment can be any heavy load or luggage like a fuel cell stack or an LPG tank, CNG tank or any heavy goods etc.
[00012] Typically, the high costs of fossil-based fuel and its impact on pollution is leading to research and development of alternative means of transportation. Moreover, original equipment manufacturer (OEMs) and customers are being driven down a path to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The feasible way is by electrifying the drivetrain which has the capability to propel vehicles while enabling space inside the vehicles to allow large enough battery pack to give adequate range. Further, alternative means of transportation includes fuel cells powered vehicle etc. As in automobiles torque and speed are important parameters, these can vary as per different segment of the vehicle. Likewise, the electric vehicles or fuel cell powered vehicles etc. are designed by keeping these two parameters in mind.
[00013] However, the power generated from the electric motor when transmitted directly to drive wheel will lead to inappropriate torque because direct drive results in uncontrolled speed or sub-optimal speed. Hence, it is always a challenge for the automobile designers to have appropriate balance between both torque and speed, so in order to achieve different speed at varying loads similarly different torque at different loads requires optimal transmission ratios/system. However, a trade-off between torque requirement and range of the vehicle is difficult since at higher torque requirements the mileage range of the vehicle drops. Thus, to assure an effective torque developed by drive wheel and the force applied to road surface a special attention has been given to the electric drive and power source i.e. batteries.
[00014] A high capacity electric motor is generally employed and adapted to deliver more torque as per operating condition albeit at more weight and cost. Moreover, the higher capacity electric motors draw more power from the batteries. Thus, to increase the range of the electric vehicle a high watt-hour batteries is to be packaged within the electric vehicle in addition to the high capacity motors. Further, the high capacity motor and high watt-hour batteries adversely affects its passenger space or operator space and also involves complete redesign of frame assembly to support the high capacity electric motor and high watt-hour batteries as well as its location/mountings.
[00015] In addition to that, the principal drawbacks of electric vehicles, are the relatively low energy capacity of the traction batteries as compared to an IC powered vehicle running on hydrocarbon-based fuel. Further, another demerit of electric vehicles is the excessive length of time required to recharge a battery-based vehicle, as compared to the length of time to refuel a fossil fuel-powered vehicle. In some cases, layers of batteries are tiered one over the other in a heap to meet torque, range and speed demands which can approach 50 percent of the vehicle's weight. This impact is more significant particularly when the batteries are of the lead-acid variety.
[00016] Further, separate batteries holding structures are required to hold the batteries which includes a battery box accommodating stack of batteries. The battery box connected to the vehicle body using plurality of nuts and bolts is known in the art. But it is time-consuming and laborious task to move stack of batteries and require separate equipment’s to access the batteries particularly, in small commercial vehicles using lead-acid accumulator or lithium battery as dynamic power source, which require frequent charging. Further, this frequent replacement of batteries leads to bolt failure or bolt loosening which can have profound consequences.
[00017] In addition to above, the current efforts to provide high capacity advanced batteries do not effectively address the above-noted problems. This is because such advanced batteries are generally relatively expensive, and the gains in capacity vis-a-vis current batteries tend to be incremental. Moreover, advanced batteries, require a relatively long time to recharge, owing to the inherent limitations of chemical-based electric power sources as compared to gasoline fuel-based systems.
[00018] Further, the goods carrier vehicle may have to carry heavy goods without having liberty of using a fork lift to install and dismount the good from the vehicle but do it himself with any external powered support system to lift, load and unload. Same is the case if the user has to replace his energy storage unit at e.g. a charging station where one may have to do it single handedly. Consequently, it is a loss of opportunity time for the user.

[00019] At the same time the automobile manufacturers need to cater to different market segments and users with product offerings and variants meeting demands of respective users. These could involve variants in form of size, capacity of vehicle, range of usage, cost, ease of manufacturing, etc. From manufacturers points of view, once a platform product is designed, the product economics would be viable based on the numbers sold. Therefore, it is always a challenge for automobile manufacturer to have vehicle layout and design which can be flexible to cater to the variants and the demands and enable modified versions with minimum changes in the vehicle layout, assembly time, manufacturing set-up etc. Additionally, from convenience of usage and utility space point of view, multi-wheeled vehicles with more luggage space have become more popular rather than conventional multi wheeled type configuration. The challenge is further complicated when the vehicle architecture / platform requirement needs to cater to different powertrains like Internal combustion engine (ICE) to an Electric Powertrain or a Hybrid powertrain. Further, to create any alternate variant or upgrades etc.
[00020] Hence in light of increasing fossil-based fuel prices, market demand and current alternative powertrain technology including current battery technology associated with disadvantage of lengthy recharging periods there is need to develop the system that can help to address above issues and which is affordable and within the means of the masses.
[00021] Thus, a retractable slide load holding system for a vehicle is proposed in the present subject matter in order to alleviate one or more drawbacks highlighted above & other problem of known art.
[00022] It is object of the invention to provide an alternative powertrain vehicle having system for quick swapping of loads including battery packs without detriment to the vehicle’s performance.
[00023] It is a yet another object of the present invention to provide an alternative powertrain vehicle configured to hold load including stacks of batteries or fuel cell stacks in such a way that the batteries or fuel cell stacks remain tightly packed and environmentally sealed.
[00024] It is another object of the invention to provide an alternative powertrain vehicle configured to have load including stack of batteries arranged in such way that it does not compromise the performance and range of the vehicle.
[00025] It is yet another object of the invention to provide an alternative powertrain vehicle configured to accommodate load including stack of batteries which is highly reliable, cost effective, easily assessible without using lifting device to take out the battery’s packs.
[00026] It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative powertrain vehicle configured to give considerable design flexibility for variety of load configurations including battery pack configurations.
[00027] Furthermore, the details as well as other features and advantages of this invention are set forth in the remainder of the specification and are shown in the accompanying drawings.
[00028] Figure 1 illustrates a partial perspective view and partial side view of alternative powertrain vehicle (V). Many parts of the vehicle have been omitted for brevity & clarity. The present invention has a chassis frame structure (104) similar to small commercial passenger vehicles frame structures known in the art. A seat (103) is mounted on seat frame assembly (105). The seat frame assembly (105) is detachably attached to the chassis frame structure (104) of the alternative powertrain vehicle. A load (106) including plurality of batteries packed together and housed in a movable base assembly (102). A movable base assembly (102) mounted on a tray member (101) is surrounded by the seat frame assembly (105). Further, the tray member (101) is detachably attached to chassis frame structure (104) of the alternative powertrain vehicle.
[00029] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the movable base assembly (102) with a localized view of exploded base member (203) where few parts are omitted from the figures for clarity. For example, and by no way limiting the scope of the subject matter, the movable base assembly (102) comprises of a base member (203), a top cover (201), and a cage assembly (202). A locking device (208) is operatively connected to the base member (203). The load (106) including stack of batteries is securely held on the base member (203) through the cage assembly (202) such that the top cover (201) is nesting on an upper surface of the batteries (106). The cage assembly (202) includes plurality of keys (212). The plurality of keys (212) includes at least one vertical key (212V) and at least one horizontal key (212H). As per preferred embodiment, the plurality of vertical keys (212V) are detachably attached to the base member (203) using a plurality of fasteners (211). The base member (203) configured to have at least two latch mounting brackets (205). The latch mounting bracket (205) is fixedly attached on both the sides of the base member (203) in the lateral direction (Y-Y’) of the vehicle (V). The latch mounting brackets (205) and latch plates (207) are configured to have plurality of weld nuts (210) for providing suitable threaded apertures in which corresponding threaded screws (209, 204) or the like may be positioned to secure the latch plate (207) and a locking device (208) respectively. The locking devices (208) are detachably attached to the latch plates (207) such that latch plate (207) is sandwiched between the latch mounting bracket (205) and the locking device (208). Further, at least one handle mounting brackets (206) is attached to the base member (203) in the lateral direction (Y-Y’) of the vehicle. At least one handle (213) is mounted to both the sides of the movable base assembly (102) using the handle mounting brackets (206).
[00030] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the movable base assembly (102) and localized views of the base member (203). As per preferred embodiment the load (106) including stack of batteries is configured to have plurality of grooves (314) adapted to receive at least one vertical key (212V). Each of the vertical key (212V) passing through respective groove (314) of the load (106) including batteries such that it forms a cage like structure enclosing the load (106) including stack of batteries. The vertical keys (212V) configured to have indentation (309) on one of its side adapted to receive plurality of horizontal keys (212H). Further, each indentation (309) is configured to have a hole to receive fastener (311) to detachably attach the horizontal key (212H). The plurality of vertical keys (212V) includes at least one primary vertical keys (212VP) and at least one secondary vertical keys (212VS). As per preferred embodiment, the bottom portion of primary vertical keys (212VP) and secondary vertical keys (212VS) are secured to the base member (203) using plurality of fasteners (211) whereas the top portion of primary vertical keys (212VP) configured to have holes adapted to receive the fasteners to connect with the top cover (201) (as shown in fig. 2). The combination of vertical keys (212V) and horizontal keys (212H) resist the movement of the load (106) including batteries even on rugged, rough, unmetalled roads in rural areas hence eliminates the noise and vibration in the vehicle. Further, the base member (203) having a base member axis (T-T’) passing longitudinally through the centre of base member (203) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X-X’) of the vehicle (V). As shown in localised view the base member (203) comprising of a top plate (308) and a bottom plate assembly (302). The top plate (308) is configured to have a plurality of lugs (303) forming plurality of slots (304R, 304L) of varied lengths on opposite sides. As per preferred embodiment the opposite sides are the longer sides of the top plate (308). In other words, opposite sides of the top plate (308) are parallel to the base member axis (T-T’). Further, the plurality of slots (304L, 304R) on the top plate (308) comprising of at least one first slots (304L) on a left side of the base member axis (T-T’) and at least one second slot (304R) on a right side of the base member axis (T-T’). Thus, when the top plate (308) is interposed on the bottom plate assembly (302) it forms plurality of grooves (313) of varied lengths on opposite sides on the bottom plate assembly (302) to accommodate the plurality of vertical keys (212V). A plurality of openings (301R, 301L) are centrally disposed along the base member axis (T-T’) of the top plate (308) to receive the plurality of vertical keys (212V). The plurality of openings (301L, 301R) comprises at least one first opening (301L) on a left side of the base member axis (T-T’) and at least one second opening (301R) on a right side of the base member axis (T-T’). Furthermore, along the longitudinal length of the top plate (308) the length of the at least one of the first slots (304L) is equal to length of second opening (301R) and length of at least one of the second slots (304R) is equal to the length of the first opening (301L). Thus, above architecture provides combination of engaging opening (301R, 301L) and grooves (304R, 304L) of varied sizes which ensures ease of assembly & quick self-aligning engagement during mass production.
[00031] As shown in localized view the bottom plate assembly (302) is comprising of a pair of side plates (307) fixedly attached to a middle plate (306). The middle plate (306) has bends (315) on its opposite sides. The side plates (307) are fixedly attached to the bends (315) on the opposite side of the middle plate (306). The side plate (307) is configured to have stepped portion (310) which is angled towards the middle plate (306). Thus, side plates (307) fixed with the middle plate (306) forms a U–shaped slide rails (312) to accommodate a portion of the guide rollers (406) (as shown in figure 1). The slide rail (312) is formed in the bottom portion of base member (203) such that it extends over the entire length of the base member (203) to provide frictionless movement of the movable base assembly (102). Hence, it reduces the service time through its frictionless movement of load (106) including stack of batteries which reduces the effort and allows easy installation or removal of batteries. Therefore, even heavy stack of energy storage systems like a battery pack or fuel cell stack or any heavy goods can be conveniently slid from the sides without complexity. In addition to that, plurality of stiffener plates (305) are welded to the middle plate (306). The stiffener plates (305) have a U – shaped configuration. The stiffener plate (305) has an inner flange (305b) and outer flanges (305a). The outer flanges (305a) are in contact with the top plate (308) whereas the inner flange (305b) is welded to the middle plate (306) of the bottom plate assembly (302). The stiffener plates (305) provides strength to the base member (203) to bear the load (106) including stack of batteries (106). The vertical keys (212V) passing through plurality of openings (301R, 301L) in the top plate (308) are secured on the middle plate (306) using plurality of fasteners (211).
[00032] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view and localized view of the tray member (101). The tray member (101) includes at least two primary members (401) connected to at least two secondary members (403). The primary member (401) configured to have plurality of upstanding walls (402) stiffening the tray member (101) and defining a plurality of pockets (411) each receiving a roller (406). The primary members (401) are provided with plurality of weld nuts (405) along with suitable apertures in which corresponding threaded screw (410) is positioned to secure the rollers (406). The secondary members (403) secured to the primary members (401) together forms a predetermined rigid structure configuration. The predetermined configuration includes rectangular configuration. A reinforcement plate (407) is secured on both the sides of tray member (101) specifically to the secondary member (403) in the lateral direction (Y-Y’) of the vehicle. Further, at least two latch hooks (408) are detachably attached to the reinforcement plate (407). The latch hook (408) is provided on both the sides of the tray member (101) in the lateral direction (Y-Y’) of the vehicle (V). The secondary member (403) configured to have plurality of weld nuts (404) along with suitable threaded apertures, in which correspondingly threaded screws (409) or the like may be positioned to secure the reinforcement plate (407) and the latch hook (408).
[00033] Figure 5a illustrates a front and side view of quick & easy snap locking device (208) in engaged condition whereas Fig 5b illustrates rear view and side view of locking device (208) in disengaged position. The locking device (208) comprising a revolute latch member (502) which is rotatably connected to a fixed latch member (501). The fixed latch member (501) is secured to the latch plate (207) (as shown in figure 2). The movable latch member (502) configured to have a hasp (503) on a portion which is engaging with the latch hook (408) (as shown in fig. 4) on the outer surface of the tray member (101). The hasp (503) is pivoted to the movable latch member (502) adapted to engage with the latch hook (408) (as shown in fig. 4). The hasp (503) is operated by revolute latch member (502) to secure it relatively to the latch hook (408) (as shown in fig. 4). As shown in figure 5 (a) the revolute latch member (502) is rotated in one direction i.e. the revolute latch member (502) of the locking device (208) is to be moved in upright position towards the movable base assembly (102) this in turn abuts a pin (504) provided in the hasp (503) with the latch hook (408) (as shown in fig. 4).
[00034] As shown figure 5 (b) to open or disengage the movable base assembly (102) from the tray member (101) the revolute latch member (502) is to be moved in downright position in reverse direction away from the movable base assembly (102) which in turn releases the pin (504)(as shown in fig. 5a) provided in the hasp (503) from latch hook (as shown in figure 4). thereby unlocking the movable base assembly (102) from the tray member (101). Thus, the locking mechanism is simple, rigid, stable and ensures effective coaction between the hasp to the lock hook. Moreover, only single action rotation of movable latch member is necessary for locking which require less time while locking and unlocking of the movable base assembly.
[00035] According to above architecture, the primary efficacy of the present invention is that movable base assembly is provided with the U–shaped slide rails to accommodate a portion of the guide rollers, so that it provides a frictionless movement of the tray member in the lateral direction of the vehicle. Thus, it is easy to lift and remove the load including batteries from the movable base assembly. As per an aspect of the present invention, the quick & easy to use slidable load carriage retractable system is stable to carry the heavy load even in opened condition while the load is in an overhanging state from the vehicle cage. As per an aspect of the present invention, the retractable cage is robust & sturdy to support the heavy load in closed as well as open condition thereby enabling to meet all the challenges cited earlier.
[00036] According to above architecture, the primary efficacy of the present invention is that, load including one or more batteries connected together such that batteries can be rigidly secured, easily removed and replaced with other batteries as movable base assembly slides on the tray member. This facilitates secure holding of the heavy items, easy installation and removal of batteries from the base member.
[00037] According to above architecture, the second efficacy of the present invention is that retractable slide load holding system is arranged at a location below the seat assembly, which is an effective dead space utilization. Moreover, as per present embodiment, load including batteries are packaged and oriented such that their maximum surface area is exposed to cooling air for efficient cooling using cage structure. As per preferred embodiment the incoming natural air passes through the cage assembly ensures passive cooling of batteries without use of cooling fans. Thus, effective cooling of batteries improves the range of vehicle without use of active cooling means. Hence, above architecture additionally provides simple and cost-effective solution.
[00038] According to above architecture, the third efficacy of the present invention is that the locking and unlocking operation can be done using single rotation of the locking device, so that reliability of locking operation is enhanced & ease of single handed or single user operation is enabled. The reliability of operation is enhanced due to lesser number of parts involved in locking operation.
[00039] According to above architecture, the fourth efficacy of the present invention is that the locking device is provided on the sides of movable base assembly in the lateral direction of the vehicle, so that it is easy to remove the batteries by sliding the movable base assembly in either side of the vehicle as per user convenience.
[00040] According to above architecture, the fifth efficacy of the present invention is that the load including stack of batteries is held securely by the vertical and horizontal keys, so that the stability of the load including batteries on rough and unmetalled roads is ensured.
[00041] According to above architecture, the sixth efficacy of the present invention is that the base member of the movable base assembly is provided with plurality of grooves and slots which are in different shape and size, so that it is easy for the workmen to assemble the plurality of vertical keys without any confusion. This further ensures ease of assembly as it reduces assembly time and improves the production rate of the vehicle.
[00042] According to above architecture, the seventh efficacy of the present invention is that load including stack of batteries is provided with a top cover in form of additional shield. Thus, load including stack of batteries and their terminals is environmentally sealed from dust and water which improves the durability of the batteries.
[00043] According to above architecture, the eight efficacy of the present invention is that the system described above, the load including batteries are located below the seat assembly. This location brings about an effect of increasing the rigidity against a direct load input into the vehicle body when a side of the vehicle undergoes a collision or an upward impact load transmitted from the suspension to the vehicle body. Thus, this architecture contributes to an increase in the rigidity safety and strength of the vehicle body.
[00044] According to above architecture the ninth efficacy of the present invention is that the load including batteries are stacked such that the terminals are covered by the top cover. This layout of the batteries is preferable in terms of protecting the terminals in case of collision of the vehicle.
[00045] According to above architecture, the tenth efficacy of the present invention is that the retractable slide load holding system is a kind of retrofit unit which can be implemented into existing IC engine vehicles to convert into alternate powertrain vehicles like Hybrid or Electric vehicle.
[00046] Further, the load including number of battery packs can be altered depending on the dimension of the vehicle in the lateral direction. For example, the stack of batteries may be constituted by three batteries or five batteries or more.
[00047] Thus, even when the layout of the seats of the vehicle is changed, an optimum layout of the load including batteries can be realized by simply altering the number of the battery stacks without modifying dimensions of the seat frame. As a result, the retractable slide load holding system can be applied to various types of vehicles like the size and configuration of the base member can vary to accommodate various sizes of the batteries, stack of fuel cells or heavy goods etc.

List of reference numerals

X-X’ – Longitudinal direction
Y-Y’ – Lateral direction
V – Vehicle
100 –Retractable slide load holding system
101 – Tray member
102 – Movable base assembly
103 – Seat
104 – Chassis frame structure
105 – Seat frame assembly
106 – Load
201 – Top cover
202 –cage assembly
203 – Base member
204 – Fasteners to connect locking device to a latch plate
205 – Latch mounting bracket
206 – Handle mounting bracket
207 – Latch plate
208 – Locking device
209 – Fasteners to connect latch plate to latch mounting bracket
210 – Weld nuts
211 – Fastener to connect vertical key to the base member
212 – Plurality of keys
212V – vertical key
212VP – Primary vertical key
212VS – Secondary vertical key
212H – horizontal key
213 – Handle
301L, 301R – Plurality of openings
301L – First opening
301R – Second opening
302 – Bottom plate assembly
303 – Plurality of lugs
304L, 304R – Plurality of slots
304R – First slot
304L – Second slot
305 – Stiffener plate
305a – Outer flange of stiffener plate
305b – Inner flange of stiffener plate
306 – Middle plate
307 – Side plates
308 – Top plate
309 – Indentation on vertical key
310 – Stepped portion
311 – Fastener to connect horizontal key to vertical key
312 – Slide rail/ Channel
313 – Groove in base member
314 – Groove in batteries
315 – Bends on middle plate
401 – Primary member
402 – Plurality of upstanding walls
403 – Secondary member
404 – Weld nuts to connect reinforcement plate and latch hook
405 – Weld nuts to connect rollers with tray member
406 – Rollers
407 – Reinforcement plate
408 – Latch hook
409 – Threaded screws/Fasteners to connect latch hook and reinforcement plate to secondary member
410 – Threaded screws/Fastener to connect roller to tray member
411 – Pocket
501 – Fixed latch member
502 – Movable latch member
503 – Hasp
504 – Pin on hasp