The present invention relates to a vent plug. More particularly, the present invention relates to a vent plug for an electric battery, the vent plug being employed to seal electrolyte filling aperture on the electric battery lid.
The vent plug of the present invention facilitates venting of corrosive gases from within the electric battery and ingress of fire from outside of the battery thereinto thereby reducing the probability of explosion, while arresting the possibility of spillage of electrolyte therefrom.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Batteries have become the backbone of numerous applications, which may include, but are not limited to, vehicles, inverters, and the like. Numerous types of batteries have been developed and are still being researched actively.
One of the battery types is a lead-acid battery, which typically includes a container, positive and negative electrodes, and electrolyte disposed in the container. The container is sealed from an operative upper side by a lid. One or more through holes are configured on the battery lid, the through holes facilitating fluid communicating with the interior of the container. The through holes facilitate egress of gases generated within the container due to electrolyte evaporation and other chemical reactions taking place within the battery container.
More specifically, the through holes facilitate diffusion of gases from the battery interior to outside of battery. However, such through holes though allowing egress of gases therethrough, also may be problematic. For example, in case of a fire, there is a chance of ingress of fire via the through holes, which may lead to explosion.
In order to prevent the above-mentioned undesired outcomes, the through holes are generally provided with one or more vent plugs or vent caps. The vent plugs or vent caps serve a dual function in addition to prevention of leakage of electrolyte while transportation or handling of the electric battery. Firstly, the vent plug permit egress of gases from within the battery container. Secondly, the vent plug prevents the ingress of fire and hence prevent explosion.
2

However, the existing conventional vent plugs or vent caps have certain drawbacks. The conventional vent plugs fail to provide the function for which the vent plugs are designed.
Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved vent plug which prevents spillage of the electrolyte, permits diffusion of gases therethrough, and avoids ingress of fire thereby preventing explosion or the like conditions.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Some of the objects of the presently disclosed invention, of which at the minimum one object is fulfilled by at least one embodiment disclosed herein are as follow:
An object of the present invention is to provide an alternative, which overcomes at least one drawback encountered in the existing prior art;
Another object of the present invention is to provide a vent plug to be used in conjunction with a battery, such as a lead-acid battery;
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a vent plug which prevents spillage of the electrolyte from within the battery container, permits diffusion of gases therethrough and avoids ingress of fire thereby preventing explosion; and
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a vent plug which is easy to fabricate, and operate.
Other objects and benefits of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description which is not intended to bind the scope of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vent plug for an electric battery, wherein the vent plug is employed to seal electrolyte filling aperture on the electric battery lid. The vent plug of the present invention facilitates venting of corrosive gases from within the electric battery and ingress of fire from outside of the battery thereinto thereby reducing the probability of explosion, while arresting the possibility of spillage of electrolyte therefrom.

In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the vent plug to be used in combination with a battery lid comprises an outer cover having an operative top surface having a substantially flat profile, the operative top surface having a through aperture configured thereon, a skirt extending in an operative downward direction from the edges of the operative top surface, the skirt along with the operative top surface defining a cavity, a flange extending radially outwardly from an operative outer surface of the skirt, the flange being disposed in proximity of the operative top surface, a first rib and a second rib each disposed on the operative top surface, such that the first rib and the second rib cross each other, and cover at least a portion of the through aperture, engaging formations configured on the outer surface operatively below the flange, the engaging formations being configured to sealably engage with complimentary engaging formations configured on an inner surface of a through hole configured on a battery lid, a first cavity configured operatively below and adjacent to the operative top surface, a second cavity configured operatively below and adjacent to the first cavity, a substantially porous plate disposed with the second cavity, a third cavity configured operatively below and adjacent to the second cavity, a concave surface having a through hole configured thereon, a skirt extending operatively downward from the edges of the through hole defining a first frustoconical conduit, a free end of the first frustoconical conduit having a slanted bottom, a second frustoconical conduit disposed around the first frustoconical conduit, the second frustoconical conduit having a length greater than the first frustoconical conduit, and having a slanted bottom with a flap configured thereon, the flap being selectively closable, and the slanted bottom of the first frustoconical conduit being opposite to the slanted bottom of the second frustoconical conduit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
The present invention will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
FIG. 1A illustrates an isometric view of a vent plug which is employed to seal electrolyte filling aperture on the electric battery lid in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. IB illustrates a cross-sectional view of the vent plug of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C illustrates another isometric view of the vent plug of FIG. 1 A;
FIG. 2A illustrates an isometric view of a top portion of the vent plug of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of the top portion of the vent plug of FIG. 2 A;
FIG. 2C illustrates another side view of the top portion of the vent plug of FIG.
2A;
FIG. 2D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the top portion of the vent plug of FIG. 2A;
FIG. 2E illustrates another cross-section view of the top portion of the vent plug of FIG. 2 A;
FIG. 2F illustrates a top view of the top portion of the vent plug of FIG. 2 A;
FIG. 3A illustrates an isometric view of a bottom portion of the vent plug of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 3B illustrates a cut-sectional view of the bottom portion of the vent plug of FIG. 3A;
FIG. 3C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bottom portion of the vent plug of FIG. 3 A;
FIG. 3D illustrates another cross-sectional view of the bottom portion of the vent plug of FIG. 3 A; and
FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a battery being tilted at various angles, wherein the battery is fitted with the vent plug of the present invention, to observe spillage of the electrolyte therefrom.
LIST OF NUMERALS
The following is the list of numerals and their meaning as used in the present specification.
100 - Vent plug
102 - Outer cover
103 - Porous plate

102a - Operative top surface
102b - Aperture
102c - Skirt
102d - Cavity
102e - Flange
102el - First rib
102e2 - Second rib
102f - Engaging formations
102j - First cavity
102k - Second cavity
1021 - Third cavity
102m - Concave surface
102n - Through hole
102o - Skirt
102p - First frustoconical conduit
102q - Free end
102r - Slanted bottom
102s - Second frustoconical conduit
102t - Slanted bottom
102u - Flap
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
All the terms and expressions, which may be technical, scientific, or otherwise, as used in the present invention have the same meaning as understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless and otherwise explicitly specified.
In the present specification, and the claims, the articles "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
The term "comprising" as used in the present specification and the claims will be understood to mean that the list following is non-exhaustive and may or may not include any other extra suitable features or elements or steps or constituents as applicable.

Further, the terms "about" or "approximately" used in combination with ranges relating to sizes of parts, or any other physical properties or characteristics, are meant to include small variations that may occur in the upper and/or lower limits of the ranges of the sizes
The present invention is now described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein FIG. 1A illustrates an isometric view of a vent plug which is employed to seal electrolyte filling aperture on the electric battery lid in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, FIG. IB illustrates a cross-sectional view of the vent plug of FIG. 1A, FIG. IC illustrates another isometric view of the vent plug of FIG. 1A, FIG. 2A illustrates an isometric view of a top portion of the vent plug of FIG. 1A, FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of the top portion of the vent plug of FIG. 2A, FIG. 2C illustrates another side view of the top portion of the vent plug of FIG. 2A, FIG. 2D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the top portion of the vent plug of FIG. 2 A, FIG. 2E illustrates another cross-section view of the top portion of the vent plug of FIG. 2A, FIG. 2F illustrates a top view of the top portion of the vent plug of FIG. 2A, FIG. 3 A illustrates an isometric view of a bottom portion of the vent plug of FIG. 1A, FIG. 3B illustrates a cut-sectional view of the bottom portion of the vent plug of FIG. 3 A, FIG. 3C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bottom portion of the vent plug of FIG. 3 A, FIG. 3D illustrates another cross-sectional view of the bottom portion of the vent plug of FIG. 3 A, and FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a battery being tilted at various angles, wherein the battery is fitted with the vent plug of the present invention, to observe spillage of the electrolyte therefrom.
The present invention relates to a vent plug for an electric battery the vent plug being employed to seal electrolyte filling aperture on the electric battery lid.
The vent plug of the present invention facilitates venting of corrosive gases from within the electric battery and ingress of fire from outside of the battery thereinto thereby reducing the probability of explosion, while arresting the possibility of spillage of electrolyte therefrom.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, a vent plug (100) to be used in combination with a battery lid is disclosed. The vent plug (100) comprises an outer cover (102). The outer cover (102) is defined by and between an operative top

surface (102a) having a substantially flat profile. The operative top surface (102a) is provided with a through aperture (102b) configured thereon.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, a skirt (102c) extends in an operative downward direction from the edges of the operative top surface (102a). The skirt (102c) along with the operative top surface (102a) defines a cavity (102d) enclosed therewithin.
The outer cover (102) further has a flange (102e) extending radially outwardly from an operative outer surface of the skirt (102c). In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the flange (102e) is disposed in proximity of the operative top surface (102a) of the outer cover (102).
The outer cover (102) has a first rib (102el) and a second rib (102e2) each disposed on the operative top surface (102a). The first rib (102el) and the second rib (102e2) cross each other, and cover at least a portion of the through aperture (102b). The first rib (102el) and the second rib (102e2) provide rigidity and support to the outer cover (102), and also facilitates rotation of the vent plug (100), that is, screwing and unscrewing of the vent plug (100) to the lid of the battery.
Further, one or more engaging formations (102f) are configured on the outer cover (102) operatively below the flange (102e). The engaging formations (102f) are configured to sealably engage with complimentary engaging formations configured on an inner surface of a through hole configured on a battery lid. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the engaging formations (102f) can be threading which engage with the complimentary threading configured on the inner surface of a through hole configured on the battery lid. A spacer or a washer may be placed between the flange (102e) and upper surface of the lid of the battery, which ensures that the connection is leak proof. The spacer or the washer can be made of any material selected from rubber, Teflon, glass, ceramic or any combinations thereof.
The outer cover (102) in combination with the operative top surface (102a) and the skirt (102c) define a series of cavities. More specifically, a first cavity (102j) is defined operatively below and adjacent to the operative top surface (102a). Further, a second cavity (102k) is defined operatively below and adjacent to the first cavity (102j), and a third cavity (1021) is defined operatively below and adjacent to the second cavity

(102k). The first cavity (102j), the second cavity (102k), and the third cavity (1021) each are in connected to and in fluid communication with each other. Each of the cavities defined and described hereinabove are sized and shape to serve a specific purpose which is described herein below.
A substantially porous plate (103) disposed within the second cavity (102k). The porous plate (103) is made of a ceramic material and the porous nature thereof facilitates egress of the vapors or gases formed or generated within the battery, and at the same time prevents ingress of fire and other foreign material into the battery. The material of the porous plate (103), the porosity thereof, and thickness thereof are chosen such as to allow the above-mentioned functionality to be carried out by the porous plate (103) effectively. The porous plate (103) also functions as a barrier to the liquid (electrolyte) present in the battery and prevents egress thereof.
The first cavity (102j) which is defined just below the top surface (102a), is generally hollow, and is in fluid communication with the outer environment via the aperture (102b). The vapors or gases escaping from the battery first pass through the third cavity (1021), then through the second cavity (102k) and the porous plate (103), and thereafter through the first cavity (102j), and then through the aperture (102b) and out into the environment, thereby allowing breathing to the battery.
The third cavity (1021) houses a concave surface (102m) having a through hole (102n) configured thereon. Further a skirt (102o) extends operatively downward from the edges of the through hole (102n) defining a first frustoconical conduit (102p). The first frustoconical conduit (102p) having a free end (102q) with a slanted bottom (102r). The slated bottom (102r) which is disposed at an angle helps in containing the electrolyte liquid within the battery, and prevents egress thereof during transportation and movement of the battery. The concave surface (102m) facilitates in collection of the liquid, which in case if seeps through the third cavity into the first and second cavity. The concave surface (102m) allows the liquid to settle down and the eventually drip down again into the battery through the first frustoconical conduit (102p).
The third cavity (1021) further houses a partial portion of a second frustoconical conduit (102s), which is disposed around the first frustoconical conduit (102p). The

second frustoconical conduit (102s), in one embodiment, is concentrically disposed around the first frustoconical conduit (102p).
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the second frustoconical conduit (102s) is having a length greater than the first frustoconical conduit (102p). Further, the second frustoconical conduit (102s) is having a slanted bottom (102t) similar to that of the first frustoconical conduit (102p), which aids in containing the liquid electrolyte within the battery container.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the slanted bottom (102t) is provided with a flap (102u) hingeably connected thereto. The flap (102u) is selectively closable and openable. The flap (102u) facilitates to access the interior space between the first and the second frustoconical conduits.
In one embodiment, the slanted bottom (102r) of the first frustoconical conduit (102p) being opposite to the slanted bottom (102t) of the second frustoconical conduit (102s).
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the outer cover (102) having an average height (h) in the range of 35 mm to 45 mm, an average diameter in the range of 25 mm to 45 mm.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the flange (102e) is having a radial thickness in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the flange (102e) is disposed at a distance of 7 mm to 12 mm from the operative top surface (102a). In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a washer is disposed operatively below the flange (102e) and operatively above the battery lid , the washer facilitating an air-tight sealing between the vent plug (100), and the battery lid .
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, each of the first rib (102el) and the second rib (102e2) having a thickness in the range of 3 mm to 5 mm, and a height of 3 mm to 6 mm.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the first cavity (102j) having a depth in the range of 3 mm to 6 mm, and a diameter in the range of 8 mm to 16 mm.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the second cavity (102k) having a depth in the range of 2 mm to 8 mm, and a diameter in the range of 15 mm to 25 mm.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the third cavity (1021) having a depth 8 mm to 16 mm, and a diameter in the range of 15 mm to 25 mm.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the concave surface (102m) having a radius curvature in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm, and the through hole (102n) having a diameter in the range of 3 mm to 12 mm.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the first frustocomcal conduit (102p) is having a first diameter in the range of 3 mm to 12 mm, and the second diameter in the range of 3 mm to 12 mm.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the first frustocomcal conduit (102p) is having a maximum height in the range of 9 mm to 19 mm, and a minimum height in the range of 5 mm to 13 mm.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the slanted bottom (102r) is slanted at an angle in the range of 25 degree to 35 degree.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the second frustocomcal conduit (102s) is having a first diameter in the range of 9 mm to 19 mm, and a second diameter in the range of 9 mm to 19 mm.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the second frustocomcal conduit (102s) is having a maximum height in the range of 22 mm to 32 mm, and a minimum height in the range of 12 mm to 22 mm.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the slanted bottom (102t) is slanted at an angle in the range of 25 degree to 35 degree.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the porous plate (103) is made of porous ceramic material; and wherein the vent plug (100) is made of one material selected from the group consisting of polymer, glass, ceramic, and any combinations thereof.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the polymer is one selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, nylon, Teflon, and any combinations thereof.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of the depth of the first cavity, the second cavity, and the third cavity is in the range of 1:1.3:2.7 to 1.5:1:4.
EXAMPLES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
A lead acid battery was fitted with the vent plug of the present invention and the battery was then tilted at various angles (as shown in FIG. 4). The table 1 herein below lists the observations. Also, table 1 provides a comparative observational data of the same lead acid battery fitted with a conventional vent plug, and was further titled at various angles.

Sr. no Battery Tilt Angle Battery fitted with the Vent plug of present invention Battery Fitted with the conventional vent plug

Observation Observation
1. 45 degree from ground No spillage observed Few droplets
2. 30 degree from ground No spillage observed Few droplets
3. 0 degree from ground 70 - 80 ml in one hour 1000 - 1200 ml in one hour
Thus, it is evident that the presently disclosed vent plug is more effective as compared with the conventional vent plug.
APPLICATIONS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The presently disclosed vent plug is useful in preventing egress of the battery liquid from within the battery, while allowing egress of vapors or gases generated within the battery. Further, the presently disclosed vent plug is useful in prevention of ingress of fire into the battery and related hazard.

TECHNICAL ADVANCES AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
The presently disclosed invention which relates to a vent plug to be used in combination with a battery, for example, a lead-acid battery, as described herein above, provides several technical advances and advantages.
The following technical advances and advantages are realized by employing or using the present invention, but the technical advances and advantages are not limited to these:
- a vent plug, which
o seals the electrolyte filling aperture;
o facilitates venting of corrosive gases;
o prevents ingress of fire from outside of the battery;
o reduced probability of explosion;
o arrests possibility of spillage of electrolyte from the battery;
o is easy to manufacture; and
o is easy to operate.

We claim:

1. A vent plug (100) to be used in combination with a battery lid, the vent
plug (100) comprising:
- an outer cover (102) having:
o an operative top surface (102a) having a substantially flat profile,
the operative top surface (102a) having a through aperture (102b) configured thereon;
o a skirt (102c) extending in an operative downward direction from
the edges of the operative top surface (102a), the skirt (102c) along with the operative top surface (102a) defining a cavity (102d);
o a flange (102e) extending radially outwardly from an operative
outer surface of the skirt (102c), the flange (102e) being disposed in proximity of the operative top surface (102a);
o a first rib (102el) and a second rib (102e2) each disposed on the
operative top surface (102a), such that the first rib (102el) and the second rib (102e2) cross each other, and cover at least a portion of the through aperture (102b);
o engaging formations (102f) configured on the outer surface (102)
operatively below the flange (102e), the engaging formations (102f) being configured to sealably engage with complimentary engaging formations configured on an inner surface of a through hole configured on a battery lid ;
o a first cavity (102j) configured operatively below and adjacent to
the operative top surface (102a);
o a second cavity (102k) configured operatively below and adjacent
to the first cavity (102j);
- a substantially porous plate (103) disposed with the second cavity (102k);
- a third cavity (1021) configured operatively below and adjacent to the second cavity (102k);

- a concave surface (102m) having a through hole (102n) configured thereon;
- a skirt (102o) extending operatively downward from the edges of the through hole (102n) defining a first frustoconical conduit (102p), a free end (102q) of the first frustoconical conduit (102p) having a slanted bottom (102r);
- a second frustoconical conduit (102s) disposed around the first frustoconical conduit (102p), the second frustoconical conduit (102s) having a length greater than the first frustoconical conduit (102p), and having a slanted bottom (102t) with a flap (102u) configured thereon, the flap (102u) being selectively closable; and
- the slanted bottom (102r) of the first frustoconical conduit (102p) being opposite to the slanted bottom (102t) of the second frustoconical conduit (102s).

2. The vent plug (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer cover (102) having an average height (h) in the range of 35 mm to 45 mm, an average diameter in the range of 25 mm to 45 mm.
3. The vent plug (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flange (102e)
a. having a radial thickness in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm;
b. being disposed at a distance of 7 mm to 12 mm from the operative top
surface (102a);
c. a washer is disposed operatively below the flange (102e) and operatively
above the battery lid , the washer facilitating an air-tight sealing between the vent plug
(100), and the battery lid.
4. The vent plug (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first rib (102el) and the second rib (102e2) having a thickness in the range of 3 mm to 5 mm, and a height of 3 mm to 6 mm.
5. The vent plug (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
a. the first cavity (102j) having a depth in the range of 3 mm to 6 mm, and a
diameter in the range of 8 mm to 16 mm;
b. the second cavity (102k) having a depth in the range of 2 mm to 8 mm, and a
diameter in the range of 15 mm to 25 mm; and

c. the third cavity (1021) having a depth 8 mm to 16 mm, and a diameter in the range of 15 mm to 25 mm.
6. The vent plug (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the concave surface (102m) having a radius curvature in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm, and the through hole (102n) having a diameter in the range of 3 mm to 12 mm.
7. The vent plug (100) as claimed in claim 1,
a. wherein the first frustoconical conduit (102p) having:
i. a first diameter in the range of 3 mm to 12 mm, and the second diameter in the range of 3 mm to 12 mm; and
ii. a maximum height in the range of 9 mm to 19 mm, and a minimum height in the range of 5 mm to 13 mm; and
b. wherein the slanted bottom (102r) is slanted at an angle in the range of
25 degree to 35 degree.
8. The vent plug (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
a. the second frustoconical conduit (102s) having
i. a first diameter in the range of 9 mm to 19 mm, and a second diameter in the range of 9 mm to 19 mm; and
ii. a maximum height in the range of 22 mm to 32 mm, and a minimum height in the range of 12 mm to 22 mm; and
b. the slanted bottom (102t) being slanted at an angle in the range of 25
degree to 35 degree.
9. The vent plug (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the porous plate (103) is made of porous ceramic material; and wherein the vent plug (100) is made of one material selected from the group consisting of polymer, glass, ceramic, and any combinations thereof; and wherein the polymer is one selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, nylon, Teflon, and any combinations thereof.
10. The vent plug (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ratio of the depth of the first cavity, the second cavity, and the third cavity is in the range of 1:1.3:2.7 to 1.5:1:4.