Abstract: A connector assembly is provided with a support structure having an elongate shape and an inlet for receiving a charging cable. A fitting is disposed in mechanical interlocking engagement with a distal end of the support structure for interconnecting the support structure with a vehicle charging receptacle. The support structure and the fitting are configured for disconnecting from each other when the connector assembly is subjected to a lateral load above a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A connector assembly is provided with a support structure having an elongate shape and an inlet for receiving a charging cable. A fitting is disposed in mechanical interlocking engagement with a distal end of the support structure for interconnecting the support structure with a vehicle charging receptacle. The support structure and the fitting are configured for disconnecting from each other when the connector assembly is subjected to a lateral load above a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A charge handle for use in charging a plug-in vehicle having a charge port includes a body having a receptacle for engaging the charge port to provide for charging the vehicle. A latch rotatably mounted to the body has a first end for securing the engagement of the receptacle to the charge port, and has a second end. An actuator lever is rotatably mounted to the body. The actuator lever has a first end connected to the second end of the latch, and has a second end. A trigger mechanism includes a trigger located on the opposite side of the body from the latch. The trigger mechanism is arranged such that depressing the trigger pushes the second end of the actuator lever to rotate the actuator lever to cause the latch to rotate and disengage the receptacle from the charge port.

Abstract: A charge handle for use in charging a plug-in vehicle having a charge port includes a body having a receptacle for engaging the charge port to provide for charging the vehicle. A latch rotatably mounted to the body has a first end for securing the engagement of the receptacle to the charge port, and has a second end. An actuator lever is rotatably mounted to the body. The actuator lever has a first end connected to the second end of the latch, and has a second end. A trigger mechanism includes a trigger located on the opposite side of the body from the latch. The trigger mechanism is arranged such that depressing the trigger pushes the second end of the actuator lever to rotate the actuator lever to cause the latch to rotate and disengage the receptacle from the charge port.

Abstract: A connector assembly couples an electrical power supply to a vehicle charging circuit. The assembly includes an elongate handle and a plug coupled to each other. The handle forms an internal cavity for supporting an electrical harness. The plug includes a first end that is attached to the outlet of the handle, and a second end opposite the first end for engaging a vehicle charging receptacle. The plug includes a series of tabs that longitudinally extend from the first end to engage a series of slots formed in the outlet of the handle for attaching the plug to the handle. The series of tabs and the series of slots collectively form a structural weak point for failure by localizing deformation between the tabs and the slots when the assembly is subjected to a predetermined side load applied to an intermediate portion of the assembly.