Field of invention:

The present invention relates to a novel vehicle with a housing assembly for removably retaining one or more portable energy storage devices. The present invention is particularly useful in automobile industries and can be used in all types of electric vehicles with one or more wheels.

Background of invention:

Vehicles powered by electrical power source are well known in the art. It is also known to provide rechargeable power sources, like batteries, for such electrical and hybrid vehicles. In convention two or three wheeled electrical or hybrid scooters, the battery packs are generally housed below the rider's seat. It is essential to have the battery located below the seat for maintaining the static and dynamic equilibrium of the vehicle.

US20030075367 Al, discloses such an electric power scooter where the battery is stored below the seat of the vehicle.

Electric vehicles, such as scooters and motorcycles, having battery storage unit located below the foot board is also known in the art. The disadvantage associated with the vehicles having batteries stored below the seat is that it is not convenient for removing the battery packs from ergonomic point of view.

Further, for removing the battery packs, the rider's seat has to be opened to gain access. This is not convenient from riders' point of view.

Electric scooters and motorcycles, having horizontal draw out mechanism for removing batteries are also known in the art. The disadvantage associated with such horizontal draw out mechanism is that it is difficult to apply pressure to maintain connectivity between the connector on the battery and connector on scooters/motorcycles since the weight of the battery is not acting downwards to aid in maintaining connection. Also, during the process of draw-out, once there is loss of contact between the battery pack and the slot there is sudden force/rotating-torque acting on the wrist as the entire weight of the battery pack is downward due to gravity. Before losing contact with slot, the base of the slot was holding this battery pack in a stable horizontal position, but since losing contact an additional compensating force is required to hold it up or the battery swings downward. This makes it very uncomfortable to remove and replace the battery packs. With a view, therefore, to overcome the problem associated with conventional electric vehicles, the inventors felt the need to develop a novel electric vehicle where the portable energy storage devices (like batteries, super capacitors) can be removed and replaced with ergonomic ease and at the same time without requiring the rider to alight from the vehicle and without compromising on the weight distribution and handling of the vehicle.

Summary of the invention: Accordingly, the present invention provides a novel vehicle powered by one or more portable energy storage devices, said vehicle being provided with a housing assembly for said one or more portable energy storage devices, wherein said housing assembly comprises: a housing frame operatively coupled to a frame of said vehicle, a receptacle, operatively coupled to said housing frame by securing means, for receiving or removing said one or more portable energy storage devices, and a movement controller for controlling angular and/or linear movement of said receptacle for pre-defined range, wherein said one or more portable energy storage devices are placed on or within said receptacle or removed from said receptacle, thus allowing swapping of said one or more portable energy storage devices by displacing said receptacle in a direction away from or about said housing assembly axes.

In an embodiment of the present invention, said securing means is a pivot means for pivotally securing said receptacle with said housing frame, and wherein said movement controller controls angular displacement of said receptacle with respect to said housing frame.

According to one embodiment of the invention, said securing means is in the form of a ball and socket attachment, and wherein said movement controller controls the movement of said receptacle along pre-defined axes.

According to another embodiment of the invention, said receptacle is secured with a sliding mechanism to said frame of said vehicle, and wherein said movement controller controls linear displacement of said receptacle with respect to said housing frame. Preferably, said housing assembly is positioned between pivot point of a swing arm and front wheel of said vehicle maintaining predefined clearance from said front wheel.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention said movement controller is at least one of a mechanical controller, an electronic controller, and an electro-mechanical controller, without departing from the scope of the invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, said housing frame is provided with a locking mechanism, such as linear or sliding movement locks, plunger locks, and the like, wherein said locking mechanism secures said receptacle with respect to said housing frame to maintain electrical connectivity between the connector on said one or more portable energy storage devices and connector of said vehicle.

In the present invention, said one or more portable energy storage devices are at least one of a rechargeable battery pack and/ or a super capacitor, without departing from the scope of the invention.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a housing assembly for retaining one or more portable energy storage devices, said housing assembly comprises of a housing frame forming structural support for said housing assembly, a receptacle operatively coupled to said housing frame by securing means, for receiving, retaining and removal said one or more portable energy storage devices, a receptacle cover, operatively coupled to the receptacle using one or more linkages , that covers the receptacle and thus allows said receptacle to be operated in both closed position and open position, wherein during closed position, the receptacle and the receptacle cover forms a capsule cover for one or more said portable energy storage devices, and a movement controller for controlling angular and/or linear movement of said receptacle and said receptacle cover for a pre-defined range, wherein said one or more portable energy storage devices are placed within said receptacle or removed from said receptacle in open position by causing the receptacle cover to move in angular direction and/ or linear direction with respect to angular movement and/ or linear movement of said receptacle, thus allowing swapping of said one or more portable energy storage devices.

In an embodiment of the present invention, said linkage is at least one of a connecting rod, a pneumatic rod, and a resilient rod. In an embodiment of the present invention, said movement controller is at least one of a mechanical controller, an electronic controller, and an electro-mechanical controller. Further, in another embodiment of the present invention, said mechanical controller can be any of, but not limited to, pneumatic controller, hydraulic controller, and the like, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings:

For better understanding, illustrative embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will however be appreciated that the embodiments exemplified in the drawings are merely illustrative and not limitative to the scope of the invention, because it is quite possible, indeed often desirable, to introduce a number of variations in the particular embodiments that have been shown in the drawings. In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the invented vehicle provided with a housing for removably retaining portable energy storage devices, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of said invented vehicle as illustrated in figure 1, showing the manner in which one of said portable energy storage devices is removed from said vehicle. Figure 3 is a perspective view of said invented vehicle as illustrated in figure 1, showing the manner in which, both said portable energy storage devices are removed from said vehicle.

Figure 4 is a front view of said invented vehicle provided with a housing for removably retaining said portable energy storage devices, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 is a front view of said invented vehicle as illustrated in figure 1, showing the manner in which one of said portable energy storage devices is removed from said vehicle.

Figure 6 is a front view of said invented vehicle as illustrated in figure 1, showing the manner in which, both said portable energy storage devices are removed from said vehicle

Figures 7 and 8 are illustrations of the working of a mechanical movement controller provided with said housing assembly, according to the one embodiment of the invention.

Figures 9 to 11 are illustrations of actuation of a mechanical movement controller, as illustrated in figures 7 and 8, for titling said portable energy storage devices, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 12, 14 and 15 are illustrations of another mechanism of titling said portable energy storage devices, by means of electro-mechanical movement controllers, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is an illustration of a motor used for actuating said electro-mechanical movement controllers shown in figures 12, 14 and 15, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 16 to 20 are illustrations of yet another mechanism of titling said portable energy storage devices, by means of linear actuators, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 21 to 23 illustrate how a pair of linear or sliding movement locks removably secures said portable energy storage devices with said housing assembly, according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Figures 24 and 25 illustrate how a pair of plunger locks removably secures said portable energy storage devices with said housing assembly, according to yet another embodiment of the invention. Figure 26 illustrate said plunge lock used for locks removably secures said portable energy storage devices with said housing assembly according to said yet another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 27 is a perspective view of said invented vehicle provided with said housing assembly for removably retaining said portable energy storage devices, according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 28 to 30 are illustrations of another embodiment of said housing assembly for removably retaining said portable energy storage devices and mechanism of titling said portable energy storage devices, according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 31 is a perspective view of said invented vehicle provided with said housing assembly for removably retaining said portable energy storage devices, according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 32 is a perspective view of said invented vehicle as illustrated in figure 31 , showing the manner in which one of said portable energy storage devices is removed from said vehicle, according to yet another embodiment of the invention. Figure 33 is a perspective view of said invented vehicle as illustrated in figure 1, showing the manner in which, both said portable energy storage devices are removed from said vehicle, according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 34 is a front view of said invented vehicle provided with the housing assembly for removably retaining said portable energy storage devices, according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 35 is a front view of said invented vehicle as illustrated in figure 31, showing the manner in which one of said portable energy storage devices is removed from said vehicle, according to yet another embodiment of the invention. Figure 36 is a front view of said invented vehicle as illustrated in figure 31, showing the manner in which both portable energy storage devices are removed from said vehicle, according to yet another embodiment of the invention. Figure 37 is a top view of said invented vehicle provided with said housing assembly for removably retaining said portable energy storage devices, according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 38 is a top view of said invented vehicle as illustrated in figure 31, showing the manner in which one of said portable energy storage devices is removed from said vehicle, according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 39 is a top view of said invented vehicle as illustrated in figure 31, showing the manner in which both portable energy storage devices are removed from said vehicle, according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 40 is a front view of said invented vehicle provided with said housing assembly for removably retaining said portable energy storage devices, according to still another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 41 is a front view of said invented vehicle as illustrated in figure 40, showing the manner in which one of said portable energy storage devices is removed from said vehicle, according to yet another embodiment of the invention. Figure 42 is a front view of said invented vehicle as illustrated in figure 40, showing the manner in which both portable energy storage devices are removed from said vehicle, according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 43 is a perspective view of said invented vehicle provided with said housing assembly for removably retaining said portable energy storage devices, according to still another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 44 is a perspective view of said invented vehicle as illustrated in figure 40, showing the manner in which one of said portable energy storage devices is removed from said vehicle, according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 45 is a perspective view of said invented vehicle as illustrated in figure 40, showing the manner in which both portable energy storage devices are removed from said vehicle, according to yet another embodiment of the invention. Figure 46 is a perspective view of said invented vehicle provided with said housing assembly for removably retaining said portable energy storage devices, according to a further embodiment of the invention. Figure 47 is a perspective view of said invented vehicle as illustrated in figure 46, showing the manner in which one of said portable energy storage devices are tilted outwardly for removal from said vehicle, according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 48 is a perspective view of said invented vehicle as illustrated in figure 46, showing the manner in which both portable energy storage devices are removed from said vehicle, according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 49 is a side view of a receptacle, as proposed according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 50 is the perspective view of said receptacle, as shown in figure 49, in open position, according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 51 shows said receptacle, as shown in figure 49, installed in a vehicle, under closed position, according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 52 shows said receptacle, as shown in figure 49, installed in said vehicle, under open position, according to another embodiment of the invention. Figure 53 shows a top perspective view of said receptacle, as shown in figure 49, in open position without one or more portable energy storage devices, according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 54 shows guide rods present on back of said vehicle frame for allowing longitudinal/ vertical movement of a receptacle cover, according to another embodiment of the invention.

Although specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings and not in others. This is done for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed description of the drawings:

The various embodiments of the present invention disclose a vehicle with a housing assembly for removably retaining one or more portable energy storage devices. In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

The specification may refer to "an", "one" or "some" embodiment(s) in several locations. This does not necessarily imply that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments.

As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", "said", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "includes", "comprises", "including" and/or "comprising" when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations and arrangements of one or more of the associated listed items.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. The present invention provides a vehicle with a housing for removably retaining one or more portable energy storage devices. The present embodiments describe housing assembly with respect to electric vehicles with one or more wheels. The person having ordinarily skill in the art can understand that the housing assembly can be used in any of the units where one or more portable energy storage devices are received, retained and/ or replaced, such as, battery stations, portable battery chargers, and the like, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Referring to figures 1 to 6 of the accompanying drawings, said vehicle (100) is powered by two portable energy storage devices (102-1,102-2), namely a first portable energy storage device (102-1) and a second energy storage device (102-2), each located on either side of median axis of said vehicle (100). Said energy storage devices (102-1,102-2) are housed within a housing assembly (104).

According to a particular embodiment of the invention as illustrated in figures 1 to 10, said housing assembly (104) comprises a housing frame (106) operatively coupled to a frame (108) of said vehicle (100) (as seen in figures 1 to 4), a pair of receptacles, namely a first receptacle 110-1 and a second receptacle 110-2, pivotally operatively coupled to said housing frame (106) by securing/pivot means, and a pair of mechanical movement controllers, namely the first mechanical movement controller 112-1 and the second mechanical movement controller 112-2.

According to the present invention, said first receptacle (110-1) allows receiving, retaining and/or removing of said first portable energy storage device (102-1) and said second receptacle (110-2) allows receiving, retaining and/or removing of said second portable energy storage device (102-1). Said mechanical movement controllers (112-1,112-2) control the extent and degree of angular and/ or linear movement of respective said receptacles (110-1,110-2). Said receptacles (110-1, 110-2) are in the form of plates on which said respective energy storage devices (102-1,102-2) are securely placed. In an embodiment of the present invention, said receptacles can be in any of the other known shapes such as, but not limited to, cup shaped, receptacle with one or more side walls, and the like, without departing from the scope of the invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, said movement controllers (112-1, 112-2) can be manual, semiautomatic or automatic, without departing from the scope of the invention. Further, with regard to automatic or semi-automatic movement, said movement controllers (112-1, 112- 2) can be any of, but not limited to, gear based, hydraulic based, pneumatic based, hinge and lock based, electronic actuator based, spring based, motor based, magnet based or any of the combination of herein above, without departing from the scope of the invention.

As seen in figures 9 to 11, each of said portable energy storage devices (102-1,102-2) is placed on said respective receptacles (110-1,110-2) or removed from said respective receptacles (110-1,110-2) by tilting said respective receptacle (110-1,110-2) in a direction away from said vehicle's (100) median axis, wherein said receptacles (110-1,110-2) are moved manually. According to another embodiment of the invention as illustrated in figures 12 to 15, said housing assembly (204) comprises a housing frame (206) operatively coupled to said vehicle's frame (208), a pair of receptacles (210-1,210-2), pivotally operatively coupled to said housing frame (206) by securing means, and a pair of electro-mechanical movement controllers, namely first electro-mechanical movement controller 212-1 and second mechanical movement controller 212-2, driven by a motor (214). According to the present invention, said receptacles (210-1,210-2) allow receiving and removing of said respective portable energy storage device (202-1,202-2). Said electromechanical movement controllers (212-1,212-2) control the extent and degree of angular and/ or linear movement of said respective receptacles (210-1,210-2). Preferably, said electro-mechanical movement controller (212-1,212-2) is worm gear mechanisms actuated by said motor (214). Each of said portable energy storage devices (202-1,202-2) is placed within said respective receptacles (210-1,210-2) or removed from said respective receptacles (210-1,210-2) by tilting said respective receptacle (210-1,210-2) in a direction away from said vehicle's (200) median axis, as seen in figures 12 to 15.

According, to yet another embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in figures 16 to 20, said housing assembly (304) is provided with a pair of linear actuators (312-1,312-2), wherein said linear actuator (312-1) controls the extent and degree of angular and/ or linear movement of said receptacle (310-1). Similarly, said linear actuator (312-2) controls the extent and degree of angular and/ or linear movement of said receptacle (310-2). Only one linear actuator (312-1) has been shown in figures 16 to 20, whereas two linear actuators (312-1, 312-2) can be used in said vehicle, without departing from the scope of the invention. When said linear actuator (312) is actuated, said receptacle (310-1) tilts automatically and thereupon, said respective portable energy storage device (302-1) can be removed from said housing assembly (304). As seen in figures 16 to 20, each of said portable energy storage devices (302-1,302-2) are placed within said respective receptacles (310-1,310-2) or removed from said respective receptacles (310-1,310-2) by tilting said respective receptacle (310-1,310-2) in a direction away from said vehicle's (300) median axis.

As seen in figures 4 to 25 each of said receptacles (210-1,210-2,310-1,310-2,410-1,410-2, 510-1,510-2) are in the form of open box shaped containers within which said respective portable energy storage devices (202-1,202-2, 302-1,302-2,402-1,402-2) are placed. According to a further embodiment of the invention as seen in figures 21 to 23, said housing assembly (404) is provided with a pair of linear or sliding movement locks (416- 1,416-2) for receiving, retaining and/or removing of said portable energy storage devices (402-1,402-2) with said housing assembly (406) and the same time, allows maintaining electrical connectivity between said connectors of said portable energy storage devices (402-1,402-2) and said connectors of said vehicle (not shown in figure 21 to 23).

According to still another embodiment of the invention, said housing assembly (404) is provided with a pair of plunger locks (518-1,518-2) for receiving, retaining and/or removing of said portable energy storage devices (502-1,502-2) with said housing assembly (506), as seen in figures 24 to 26, so that the electrical connectivity between said connectors of said portable energy storage devices (502-1,502-2) and said connectors of said vehicle (not shown in figures 24 to 26) is maintained.

According to the present invention, said mechanical locking mechanism, such as linear or sliding movement locks (416-1,416-2) and plunger locks (518-1,518-2), are used to exert force on said portable energy storage devices (402-1,402-2,502-1,502-2) so as to ensure that the electrical connectivity between said connectors of said portable energy storage devices (402-1,402-2, 502-1,502-2) and said connectors of said vehicle are not disrupted by vibration caused by the motion of said vehicle.

Further, said locking mechanism is operatively coupled to said housing frame for locking and securing said electrical energy storage devices in the position while said electrical energy storage devices are present in said one or more receptacles and while said vehicle is in both stationary and mobile states. Said locking mechanism will be unlocked when user wishes to replace said one or more electrical energy storage devices and successfully performs authentication process. The person having ordinarily skill in the art can understand that any of the known authentication process can be used for unlocking said one or more portable energy storage devices, without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, said locking mechanism may have a manual over ride function, in case there is an emergency that requires removal of said one or more portable electrical energy storage devices or in case of failure of the automatic/semi-automatic movement.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the movement of said receptacle, locking mechanism and authentication process can be operated using electrical energy from said one or more electrical energy storage devices present in said receptacle. In another embodiment of the present invention, said receptacle, locking mechanism and authentication process can be operated using electrical energy from a secondary electrical energy source, without departing from the scope of the invention.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in figures 27 to 33, said housing assembly (604) comprises said housing frame (606) operatively coupled to said vehicle's frame (608), said pair of receptacles (610-1,610-2), operatively coupled to said housing frame (606) by securing means, and said pair of linear movement controllers, namely first linear movement controller (not shown) and second linear mechanical movement controller (not shown).

According to the present invention, said receptacles (610-1,610-2) move linearly outwards away from the median axis of said vehicle (600) and said linear movement controllers (612-1,612-2) control the extent and degree of angular and/ or linear movement of said respective receptacles (610-1,610-2). Once said receptacles (610-1,610-2) are displaced outwardly, said one or more portable energy storage devices (602-1,602-2) can be removed by lifting. In similar fashion, the portable energy storage devices (602-1,602-2) are inserted back into the housing assembly (604), and thus forming swapping of one or more portable energy storage devices in said vehicle.

According to the embodiment illustrated in figures 34 to 6, said pair of receptacles (710- 1,710-2) is configured to be displaced linearly, away from median axis of said vehicle (700), and the titled outwardly to remove said one or more portable energy storage devices (702-1,702-2) from said respective receptacle (710-1,710-2) by angular lifting. In similar fashion, the portable energy storage devices (702-1,702-2) are inserted back into the housing assembly (704), and thus forming swapping of one or more portable energy storage devices in said vehicle.

According to still another embodiment of the invention as illustrated in figures 40 to 45, said pair of receptacles (810-1,810-2) is configured to be displaced linearly, away from median axis of said vehicle (800), to remove said one or more portable energy storage devices (802-1,802-2) from said respective receptacle (810-1,810-2) by upward lifting. In similar fashion, said one or more portable energy storage devices (802-1,802-2) are inserted back into the housing assembly (804), and thus forming swapping of one or more portable energy storage devices (802-1,802-2) in said vehicle (800).

According to a further embodiment of the invention as illustrated in figure 46 to 49, said housing assembly (904) is configured to be titled outwardly on onside of the vehicle so that both of the portable energy storage devices (902- 1 ,902-2) can be swapped from same side of said vehicle (900).

In the present invention, said energy storage devices (102-1,102-2, 202-1,202-2,302-1,402- 1,402-2, 502-1,502-2,602-1,602-2,702-1,702-2, 802-1,802-2, 902-1,902-2) can be removed from and inserted back into respective said receptacles (110-1,110-2,210-1,210-2,310- 1,310-2,410-1,410-2,510-1,510-2,610-1,610-2,710-1,710-2, 810-1,810-2,910-1,910-2) by titling and/or linearly displacing said respective receptacles (102-1,102-2,210-1,210-2,310- 1,310-2,410-1,410-2,510-1,510-2,610-1,610-2,710-1,710-2,810- 1,810-2,910-1,910-2) without removing seat of said vehicle (100,200,300,600,700,800,900). In the present invention it is also possible to remove said one or more energy storage devices (102-1, 102- 2, 202- 1 ,202-2,302- 1 ,402- 1 ,402-2, 502- 1 ,502-2,602- 1 ,602-2,702- 1 ,702-2, 802- 1 ,902- 1 ,902- 2) by the rider without alighting from said vehicle (100,200,300, 600,700,800,900).

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the present invention also provides a novel a housing assembly (104'), as seen in figure 49, for retaining one or more portable energy storage devices (102- , 102-2', 102-3'). Referring to figures 49 to 51, said housing assembly (104'), according to a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a housing frame (106') forming structural support for said housing assembly (104'), a receptacle (110') operatively coupled to said housing frame (106') by securing means, for receiving, retaining and removal of said one or more portable energy storage devices (102- , 102-2', 102-3'), a receptacle cover (10V), operatively coupled to said receptacle (110') using one or more linkages (109') that covers said receptacle (110'), and thus allows said receptacle (110') to be operated in both closed position and open position, wherein during closed position, said receptacle (110') and said receptacle cover (10V) forms a capsule cover for said one or more portable energy storage devices. Further, the housing assembly (104') comprises of a movement controller (112') for controlling angular and/or linear movement of said receptacle (110') and said receptacle cover (10V) for a pre-defined range of degree.

As seen in figure 50, said portable energy storage devices (102- , 102-2', 102-3') are placed within said receptacle (110') or removed from said receptacle (100') in open position by causing said receptacle cover (10V) to move in angular direction and/ or linear direction with respect to angular movement and/ or linear movement of said receptacle (110'), thus allowing swapping of said one or more portable energy storage devices (102- 1', 102-2', 102-3').

Preferably, said housing assembly (104') is provided with two linkages (109- , 109-2'), one on either side of said receptacle (110'), as seen in figure 53. In an embodiment of the present invention, said linkages (109-1 ',109-2') can be at least one of, but not limited to, a connecting rod, a pneumatic rod, a resilient rod, and the like, without departing from the scope of the invention.

As seen in figures 51 and 53, said housing assembly (104') is provided with a locking mechanism (114') and an authentication device (not shown). In an embodiment of the present invention, the movement of said receptacle (110'), said locking mechanism (114') and said authentication device can be operated using electrical energy from said one or more electrical energy storage devices (102-1 ',102-2', 102-3') present in said receptacle (110'). Said receptacle (110') is provided with openings (119'), as seen figure 53, through which desired electrical connections with said electrical energy storage devices (102- 1', 102-2', 102-3') are established.

In another embodiment of the present invention, said receptacle (110'), said locking mechanism (114') and said authentication device can be operated using electrical energy from a secondary electrical energy source, without departing from the scope of the invention. Although the invented said housing assembly (104') is intended to be used for said vehicle (100'), as seen in figures 51, 52, and 54 of the accompanying drawings, said housing assembly (104') can be used in any other field where said portable energy storage device(s) are to be stored and desirably removed by controlling the displacement of said housing assembly (104'), thus allowing swapping of one or more portable energy storage devices, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Referring to figure 54 shows a pair of guide rods (12 ) present on the back of said vehicle frame for allowing longitudinal/ vertical movement of said receptacle cover (10V).

As already mentioned, the foregoing description is illustrative of the invention and not limitative to its scope, because it will be apparent to persons skilled in the art to devise other alternative embodiments without departing from the broad ambit of the disclosures made herein.