Eldon R Conley

US Patent:

52202682, Jun 15, 1993

Filed:

Jun 14, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/715331

Inventors:

Stephen D. Rose - Irvine KY
James R. Barker - Winchester KY
Eldon R. Conley - Lexington KY
Raymond D. Cooper - Irvine KY

Assignee:

Premier Engineered Products Corporation - Winchester KY

International Classification:

H02J 700
H01M 1046

US Classification:

320 2

Abstract:

An apparatus for connecting a battery charger to an electric vehicle including a battery and a drive motor in an electrical circuit includes first and second cooperating connectors. The connectors are adapted for mating in electrical contact. A bracket is provided for mounting the first connector to the vehicle. The second connector is mounted on the distal end of cables leading from the battery charger. The apparatus also includes a switch for interrupting the electrical circuit between the battery and the drive motor prior to mating of the first and second connectors. The invention also relates to a battery charging system incorporating a battery charger, a charger receptacle mounted on the vehicle and a plug for operatively connecting the battery charger to the charger receptacle. Both the charger receptacle and the plug include cooperating electrical contacts. A door is pivotally mounted over the charger receptacle for covering the electrical contacts of the receptacle when not in mating electrical contact with the electrical contacts of the plug.