Electric vehicle locking apparatus and method

Abstract

An electric vehicle locking device includes a clamp and a housing. The housing has a base with a front side and a rear side. A first flange extends from a front side of the base and is configured to engage with an electric vehicle charging port or an electric vehicle charging plug. A clip support unit extends from a rear side of the base. The clamp supporting unit comprises a first side plate and a second side plate, the first side plate is provided with a first top end, a first bottom end and a first opening arranged between the first top end and the first bottom end, and the second side plate is provided with a second top end and a second bottom end. The second side plate has a second top end, a second bottom end, and a second opening disposed between the second top end and the second bottom end. The second side plate is disposed substantially parallel to the first side plate, and the second opening is substantially aligned with the first opening.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] none Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to electric vehicle locking devices, and more particularly to electric vehicle locking devices for charging ports of electric vehicles and charging plugs for electric vehicle charging stations. Background Art

[0004] Over the past decade, the number of electric vehicles produced and driven has increased rapidly. As a result, more electric vehicle (EV) charging stations have been built and installed to accommodate the growing number of electric vehicles.

[0005] Electric vehicles include a charging port that can be connected to a charging plug at an electric vehicle charging station to charge the electric vehicle's battery. Several types of charging ports and plugs are used to charge electric vehicles. These include Combined Charging System (CCS) Type 1 and CCS Type 2 charging ports and plugs, J1772 charging ports and plugs, and North American Charging Standard (NACS) or Tesla charging ports and plugs.

[0006] Currently, the charging ports of electric vehicles and the charging plugs of electric vehicle charging stations do not have effective mechanisms for locking the charging ports or charging plugs to prevent access. While some electric vehicle locking devices exist that lock the receptacle housing of an electric vehicle to prevent someone from removing the charging port from the electric vehicle, prior art devices do not necessarily prevent access to the charging port and do not provide protection for the charging plugs of electric vehicle charging stations. Therefore, there is a need for an electric vehicle locking device that prevents access, i.e., an electric vehicle locking device that locks the charging port of an electric vehicle to prevent charging and / or tampering with the charging port during maintenance or repair of the electric vehicle, and locks the charging plug of an electric vehicle charging station to prevent access to the charging plug during maintenance or repair and / or prevent unauthorized use of the charging plug. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The apparatus of the present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages and limitations of the prior art apparatus described above. The apparatus and methods described herein include several electric vehicle locking devices including multiple embodiments of housings for electric vehicle locking devices and multiple embodiments of clamps for electric vehicle locking devices.

[0008] In one aspect, a housing for an electric vehicle (EV) locking device is provided. The housing includes a base having a front side and a rear side, and a first flange extending from the front side of the base. The first flange is configured to engage with a first portion of a port housing of an EV charging port or a first portion of a plug housing of an EV charging plug. The housing also includes a clamp support unit extending from the rear side of the base. The clamp support unit includes a first side plate having a first top end, a first bottom end opposite the first top end, and a first opening disposed between the first top end and the first bottom end. The clamp support unit also includes a second side plate having a second top end, a second bottom end opposite the second top end, and a second opening disposed between the second top end and the second bottom end. The second side plate is disposed substantially parallel to the first side plate, and the second opening is substantially aligned with the first opening.

[0009] In some cases, the first opening and the second opening are configured to be substantially the same shape and size. In some cases, the first opening and the second opening can be configured to align with the aperture of the clamp for the electric vehicle locking device when the clamp is attached to the housing for the electric vehicle locking device. In some cases, the first opening and the second opening are configured to allow the shackle of the locking member to pass through the first opening and the second opening when the locking member is attached to the housing for the electric vehicle locking device.

[0010] In other cases, the first flange includes a bottom flange portion. The housing for the electric vehicle locking device further includes a ridge extending from the bottom flange portion of the first flange. The ridge is configured to engage with a channel in the first portion of the port housing of the electric vehicle charging port. In other cases, the housing for the electric vehicle locking device further includes a flange channel extending through the bottom flange portion of the first flange. The flange channel is configured to engage with a raised ridge of the plug housing of the electric vehicle charging plug.

[0011] In some cases, the housing for the electric vehicle locking device further includes a first vertical member disposed on the rear side of the base and a second vertical member disposed on the rear side of the base. The first vertical member is oriented substantially parallel to the second vertical member. In some cases, the housing for the electric vehicle locking device further includes a clamp connector extending between the first vertical member and the second vertical member. In some cases, the clamp connector is configured to engage with a coupling member and a protrusion of the clamp when the clamp for the electric vehicle locking device is attached to the housing for the electric vehicle locking device.

[0012] In other cases, the housing for an electric vehicle locking device includes a first support member connected to a first top end of the first side panel and a second support member connected to a second top end of the second side panel. The first vertical member extends upward from the first support member, and the second vertical support member extends upward from the second support member. In some cases, the first and second support members are configured to engage with a first support leg and a second support leg, respectively, of the clamp for the electric vehicle locking device when the clamp is attached to the housing for the electric vehicle locking device.

[0013] In some cases, the housing for an electric vehicle locking device includes a second flange extending from a front side of the base. The second flange is disposed below the first flange and is configured to engage with a second portion of a port housing of an electric vehicle charging port or a second portion of a plug housing of an electric vehicle charging plug. In some cases, a ridge is disposed between the first and second flanges. The ridge is configured to engage with a channel in the first portion of the port housing of the electric vehicle charging port. In other cases, a flange channel is disposed between the first and second flanges. The flange channel is configured to engage with a raised ridge on the first portion of the plug housing of the electric vehicle charging plug.

[0014] In some cases, the housing for the electric vehicle locking device includes first and second guide rails disposed along a top flange portion of the first flange. The first and second guide rails are configured to engage with first and second guide members of the clamp, respectively, when the clamp is attached to the housing for the electric vehicle locking device.

[0015] In another aspect, a clamp for an electric vehicle (EV) locking device is provided. The clamp includes a first elongated member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The clamp includes a second elongated member having a top portion and a bottom portion opposite the top portion. The second elongated member is positioned approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member. The clamp further includes a platform portion connected to the second end of the first elongated member. A first support leg and a second support leg extend downwardly from the platform portion. The second support leg is arranged in a generally parallel orientation relative to the first support leg. In some cases, the first support leg extends downwardly from a front end of the platform portion on a first platform side of the platform portion, and the second support leg extends downwardly from the front end of the platform portion on a second platform side of the platform portion.

[0016] In some cases, the second elongated member extends downwardly from the platform portion. In other cases, the second elongated member extends upwardly from a top side of the first elongated member.

[0017] In some cases, the clamp for an electric vehicle locking device includes a hole disposed between the top and bottom portions of the second elongated member. In some cases, the hole is configured to substantially align with a first opening and a second opening of a clamp support unit of the housing of the electric vehicle locking device when the clamp for an electric vehicle locking device is attached to the housing of the electric vehicle locking device. In some cases, the first and second openings of the clamp support unit of the electric vehicle locking device and the hole of the clamp for an electric vehicle locking device are configured to allow a shackle of the locking member to pass through the first opening, the hole, and the second opening when the clamp is attached to the housing of the electric vehicle locking device and the locking member is attached to the electric vehicle locking device.

[0018] In some cases, the first support leg and the second support leg each extend downward from the platform portion at a certain angle. In some cases, the first support leg and the second support leg are configured to compress so that the angle between the platform portion and the first support leg or the second support leg is reduced. In some cases, the angle is about 45 degrees. In some cases, the first support leg and the second support leg are configured to engage with the first support member and the second support member of the clamp support unit of the housing of the electric vehicle locking device, respectively, when the clamp for the electric vehicle locking device is attached to the housing of the electric vehicle locking device. In other cases, the first support leg and the second support leg are configured to engage with the bottom clamp support of the housing of the electric vehicle locking device when the clamp for the electric vehicle locking device is attached to the housing of the electric vehicle locking device.

[0019] In some cases, the clamp for an electric vehicle locking device includes a hook portion extending downwardly from the first end of the first elongated member. The hook portion is configured to engage with a locking mechanism of an electric vehicle charging port or an electric vehicle charging plug. In other cases, the clamp for an electric vehicle locking device includes a raised member on the first end of the first elongated member. The raised member is configured to engage with a locking mechanism of an electric vehicle charging port or an electric vehicle charging plug.

[0020] In some cases, the first elongated member includes a first side and a second side substantially parallel to the first side. The first and second sides extend between a first end and a second end of the first elongated member. In some cases, a first guide member extends downward from the first side of the first elongated member, and a second guide member extends downward from the second side of the first elongated member. The first and second guide members are configured to engage with first and second guide rails, respectively, of the housing of the electric vehicle locking device when the clamp for the electric vehicle locking device is attached to the housing of the electric vehicle locking device.

[0021] In yet another aspect, a method for using an electric vehicle (EV) locking device is provided. The EV locking device includes a clamp and a housing. The clamp includes a first elongated member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The clamp also includes a second elongated member disposed perpendicularly to the first elongated member. A hole is disposed in the second elongated member. The clamp further includes a platform portion connected to the second end of the first elongated member.

[0022] The method includes the steps of attaching the clamp to the housing such that the first elongated member extends over a first flange of the housing and the aperture is substantially aligned with a first opening of the housing and a second opening of the housing.

[0023] The method includes the steps of: depressing a platform portion of the clamp to move the clamp from a first clamp position in which the clamp is in an intermediate position to a second clamp position in which the first end of the first elongated member is raised. The method includes the steps of: engaging the first end of the clamp with a locking mechanism of an electric vehicle charging port or an electric vehicle charging plug, and mating the first flange of the housing with a first portion of a port housing of the electric vehicle charging port or a first portion of a plug housing of the electric vehicle charging plug. In some cases, the method includes the step of: mating the second flange of the housing with a second portion of the port housing of the electric vehicle charging port or a second portion of the plug housing of the electric vehicle charging plug.

[0024] The method includes the step of releasing a platform portion of the clamp to move the clamp from the second clamp position to the first clamp position.

[0025] The method further includes the step of attaching the lock to the electric vehicle locking device by passing a shackle of the lock through the first opening of the housing, the aperture of the second elongated member of the clamp, and the second opening of the housing and attaching the shackle to the body of the lock.

[0026] These and other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a partially exploded isometric view of a locking member, a first embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device, and a first charging port for an electric vehicle;

[0028] Figure 2A For use Figure 1 Isometric views of the top side, rear side, and right side of the housing of the first embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device;

[0029] Figure 2B for Figure 2A A front plan view of the shell;

[0030] Figure 2C for Figure 2A The left side isometric view of the shell, the right side view is its mirror image;

[0031] Figure 2D for Figure 2A a rear plan view of the shell;

[0032] Figure 3A For use with Figure 1 A first embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device, Figure 11 A third embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device, and Figure 29 Isometric views of the top, rear, and right sides of a first embodiment of a clamp for use with one or more of a seventh embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device;

[0033] Figure 3B for Figure 3A A left side elevation view of a first embodiment of the clamp, a right side elevation view being a mirror image thereof;

[0034] Figure 3C for Figure 3A A front plan view of a first embodiment of the clamp;

[0035] Figure 4A for Figure 1 Isometric views of the top, rear, and right sides of a first embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device comprising Figures 2A-2D The shell and Figures 3A-3C A first embodiment of the clamp;

[0036] Figure 4B for Figure 4A A rear plan view of a first embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device;

[0037] Figure 4C The first embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device is generally along the Figure 4A a cross-sectional view taken along line 4C-4C;

[0038] Figure 5 for Figure 1 and 4A -4C's and Figure 1 An isometric view of a first embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device for use with a locking member and a first charging port for an electric vehicle;

[0039] Figure 6 A partially exploded isometric view of a locking member, a second embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device, and a first charging plug for an electric vehicle;

[0040] Figure 7A For use Figure 6 Isometric views of the top side, rear side, and right side of the housing of the second embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device;

[0041] Figure 7B for Figure 7A A front plan view of the shell;

[0042] Figure 7C for Figure 7A The left side elevation view of the shell, the right side elevation view is its mirror image;

[0043] Figure 7D for Figure 7A a rear plan view of the shell;

[0044] Figure 8A For use with Figure 6 A second embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device and Figure 15 Isometric views of the top, rear, and right sides of a second embodiment of a clamp for use with a fourth embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device;

[0045] Figure 8B for Figure 8A A left side elevation view of a second embodiment of the clamp, the right side view being a mirror image thereof;

[0046] Figure 8C for Figure 8A A front plan view of a second embodiment of the clamp;

[0047] Figure 9A for Figure 6 Isometric views of the top, rear, and right sides of a second embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device comprising Figures 7A-7D The shell and Figures 8A-8C A second embodiment of the clamp;

[0048] Figure 9B for Figure 9A A rear plan view of a second embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device;

[0049] Figure 9C The second embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device is generally along the Figure 9A a cross-sectional view taken along line 9C-9C;

[0050] Figure 10 for Figure 6 and 9A -9C and Figure 6 An isometric view of a second embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device for use with a locking member and a first charging plug for an electric vehicle;

[0051] Figure 11 is a partially exploded isometric view of a locking member, a third embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device, and a second charging port for an electric vehicle;

[0052] Figure 12A For use Figure 11 Isometric views of the top side, rear side, and right side of the housing of the third embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device;

[0053] Figure 12B for Figure 12A A front plan view of the shell;

[0054] Figure 12C for Figure 12A The left side elevation view of the shell, the right side elevation view is its mirror image;

[0055] Figure 12D for Figure 12A a rear plan view of the shell;

[0056] Figure 13A for Figure 11 Isometric views of the top, rear, and right sides of a third embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device comprising Figures 12A-12D The shell and Figures 3A-3C A first embodiment of the clamp;

[0057] Figure 13B for Figure 13A A rear plan view of a third embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device;

[0058] Figure 13C The third embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device is generally along the Figure 13A a cross-sectional view taken along line 13C-13C;

[0059] Figure 14 for Figure 11 and 13A-13C and Figure 11 An isometric view of a third embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device for use with a locking member and a second charging port for an electric vehicle;

[0060] Figure 15 A partially exploded isometric view of a locking member, a fourth embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device, and a second charging plug for an electric vehicle;

[0061] Figure 16A For use Figure 15 Isometric views of the top side, rear side, and right side of the housing of the fourth embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device;

[0062] Figure 16B for Figure 16A A front plan view of the shell;

[0063] Figure 16C for Figure 16A The left side elevation view of the shell, the right side elevation view is its mirror image;

[0064] Figure 16D for Figure 16A a rear plan view of the shell;

[0065] Figure 17A for Figure 15 Isometric views of the top, rear, and right sides of a fourth embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device comprising Figures 16A-16D The shell and Figures 8A-8C A second embodiment of the clamp;

[0066] Figure 17B for Figure 17A A rear plan view of a fourth embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device;

[0067] Figure 17C The fourth embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device is generally along the Figure 17A a cross-sectional view taken along line 17C-17C;

[0068] Figure 18 for Figure 15 and 17A -17C and Figure 15 An isometric view of a fourth embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device for use with a locking member and a second charging plug for an electric vehicle;

[0069] Figure 19 is a partially exploded isometric view of a fifth embodiment of a locking member, a locking device for an electric vehicle, and a third charging plug for an electric vehicle;

[0070] Figure 20A For use Figure 19Isometric views of the top side, rear side, and right side of the housing of the second embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device;

[0071] Figure 20B for Figure 20A A front plan view of the shell;

[0072] Figure 20C for Figure 20A The left side elevation view of the shell, the right side elevation view is its mirror image;

[0073] Figure 20D for Figure 20A a rear plan view of the shell;

[0074] Figure 21A For use with Figure 19 Isometric views of the top, front, and right sides of a third embodiment of a clamp for use with a fifth embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device;

[0075] Figure 21B for Figure 21A A left side elevation view of a third embodiment of the clamp, the right side elevation being a mirror image thereof;

[0076] Figure 21C for Figure 21A A front plan view of a third embodiment of the clamp;

[0077] Figure 22A for Figure 19 Isometric views of the top, rear, and right sides of a fifth embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device comprising Figures 20A-20D The shell and Figures 21A-21C A third embodiment of the clamp;

[0078] Figure 22B for Figure 22A A rear plan view of a fifth embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device;

[0079] Figure 22C The fifth embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device is generally along the Figure 22A a cross-sectional view taken along line 22C-22C;

[0080] Figure 23 for Figure 19 and 22A -22C and Figure 19 An isometric view of a fifth embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device for use with a locking member and a third charging plug for an electric vehicle;

[0081] Figure 24 is a partially exploded isometric view of a locking member, a sixth embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device, and a third charging port for an electric vehicle;

[0082] Figure 25A For use Figure 24 Isometric views of the top side, rear side, and right side of the housing of the sixth embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device;

[0083] Figure 25B for Figure 25A The left side elevation view of the shell, the right side elevation view is its mirror image;

[0084] Figure 25C for Figure 25A A front plan view of the shell;

[0085] Figure 25D for Figure 25A a rear plan view of the shell;

[0086] Figure 26A For use with Figure 24 Isometric views of the top, front, and right sides of a fourth embodiment of a clamp for use with a sixth embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device;

[0087] Figure 26B for Figure 26A A left side elevation view of a fourth embodiment of the clamp, the right side elevation being a mirror image thereof;

[0088] Figure 26C for Figure 26A A front plan view of a fourth embodiment of a clamp;

[0089] Figure 27A for Figure 24 Isometric views of the top, rear, and right sides of a sixth embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device comprising Figures 25A-25D The shell and Figures 26A-26C A fourth embodiment of the clamp;

[0090] Figure 27B for Figure 24 A view of the underside of a sixth embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device; Figure 27C for Figure 27A A rear plan view of a sixth embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device;

[0091] Figure 27D The sixth embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device is generally along the Figure 27A a cross-sectional view taken along line 27D-27D;

[0092] Figure 28 for Figure 24 and 27A -27D and Figure 24An isometric view of a sixth embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device for use with a locking member and a third charging port for an electric vehicle;

[0093] Figure 29 is a partially exploded isometric view of a seventh embodiment of a locking member, an electric vehicle locking device, and a fourth charging plug for an electric vehicle;

[0094] Figure 30A For use Figure 29 Isometric views of the top side, rear side, and left side of the housing of the seventh embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device;

[0095] Figure 30B for Figure 30A A front plan view of the shell;

[0096] Figure 30C for Figure 30A The right side elevation view of the housing, the left side elevation view is its mirror image;

[0097] Figure 30D for Figure 30A a rear plan view of the shell;

[0098] Figure 31A for Figure 29 Isometric views of the top, rear, and left sides of a seventh embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device comprising Figures 30A-30D The shell and Figures 3A-3C A first embodiment of the clamp;

[0099] Figure 31B for Figure 31A A rear view of a seventh embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device;

[0100] Figure 31C The seventh embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device is generally along the Figure 31A a cross-sectional view taken along line 31C-31C;

[0101] Figure 32 for Figure 29 and 31A -31C and Figure 29 An isometric view of a seventh embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device for use with a locking member of the fourth charging plug for an electric vehicle; and

[0102] Figure 33 For use Figure 1 、 6 , 11, 15, 19, 24 and 29 are flowcharts of methods 1200 of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments of the electric vehicle locking device.

[0103] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the drawings and detailed description presented herein are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed, but on the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0104] Before describing any embodiment in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following figures, which are limited only by the claims following this disclosure. The present disclosure can have other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways. Moreover, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered restrictive. The use of "comprising", "including", or "having" and its variations in this article is intended to include the items listed thereafter and their equivalents and additional items. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mount", "connect", "attach", "support", and "couple" and their variations are used broadly and include direct and indirect mounting, connection, attachment, support and coupling. In addition, "connect", "attach", and "couple" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, attachments or couplings.

[0105] The following description is presented to enable those skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the present disclosure. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but to be consistent with the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description will be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same elements in different drawings have the same reference numerals. In addition, directional terms (e.g., front, back, right, left, upward, downward, etc.) are used herein to describe components or features that are related to each other, and are not intended to be limiting. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0106] Additionally, while the following discussion may describe features associated with particular devices or embodiments, it should be understood that additional devices and / or features may be used with the described systems and methods, and that the devices and features discussed are intended to provide examples of possible embodiments without limitation.

[0107] Embodiments of the electric vehicle locking device disclosed herein may include embodiments of a housing and a clamp. The clamp may be placed on the housing, attached to the housing, or otherwise engaged with the housing. Once the clamp is placed on the housing, the electric vehicle locking device may be placed on an electric vehicle charging port or an electric vehicle charging plug and secured to the electric vehicle charging port or the electric vehicle charging plug using the locking device.

[0108] Embodiments of the electric vehicle locking device disclosed herein offer numerous advantages. For example, the electric vehicle locking device can protect the charging port of an electric vehicle or the charging plug of an electric vehicle charging station while maintenance or repairs are being performed on the electric vehicle or electric vehicle charging station. Locking the charging port of an electric vehicle with the electric vehicle locking device can also prevent the electric vehicle from being charged while maintenance or repairs are being performed on the electric vehicle. In some cases, the electric vehicle locking device can be left on the charging port when the charging port cover is closed, which can prevent tampering with the charging port while the electric vehicle is parked or stored.

[0109] In addition, if the charging plug fails or is unsafe to use or maintenance or repair is being performed, locking the charging plug of the electric vehicle charging station with the electric vehicle locking device can prevent the charging plug of the electric vehicle charging station from being used. In addition, locking the charging plug of the electric vehicle charging station with the electric vehicle locking device can prevent unauthorized users from using the charging plug.

[0110] Furthermore, the unique electric vehicle locking device disclosed herein is designed to be easily installed on and removed from an electric vehicle's charging port or a charging plug of an electric vehicle charging station (e.g., one-handed installation and / or removal). Some embodiments of the electric vehicle locking device include a clamp that is designed to lift up and snap down over a portion of the housing of the electric vehicle charging port or electric vehicle charging plug simply by pushing the electric vehicle locking device onto the housing of the electric vehicle charging port or electric vehicle charging plug. Other embodiments of the electric vehicle locking device include a clamp that is designed to simply snap into place by pushing the electric vehicle locking device onto or into the housing of the electric vehicle charging port or electric vehicle charging plug. The platform portion of the clamp can then be pressed down with a finger or thumb to disengage the clamp from the electric vehicle charging port or electric vehicle charging plug, thereby easily removing the electric vehicle locking device.

[0111] Figure 1 A partially exploded view of a first embodiment of a locking member 10, an electric vehicle locking device 100, and a first electric vehicle (EV) charging port 20 is depicted. The locking member 10 may be provided in the form of a body 12 and a shackle 14 that is adapted to engage the locking member 10 when in a position such as Figure 118. The shackle 14 can be defined by a first end portion 16 and a second end portion 18. When the lock 10 is in the unlocked position, one or both of the first end portion 16 and the second end portion 18 can be disengaged from the body 12. In one embodiment, when in the unlocked position, the first end portion 16 of the shackle 14 can be disengaged from the body 12 while the second end portion 18 remains secured to or otherwise attached to the body 12. When in the unlocked position, the first end portion 16 can be moved relative to the body 12 so that when the first end portion 16 of the shackle 14 is in the locked position (see, e.g., FIG. 18 ), the shackle 14 can be disengaged from the body 12. Figure 5 ) before being reattached to the body 12, the shackle 14 can be passed through an opening or other hole in the object to be secured (eg, the electric vehicle locking device 100).

[0112] The first electric vehicle charging port 20 can be provided inside, on, or otherwise associated with an electric vehicle (not shown). In some embodiments, the first electric vehicle charging port 20 can be provided in the form of a combined charging system (CCS) type 1 receptacle.

[0113] The first electric vehicle charging port 20 may include a port housing 22 having a locking mechanism aperture 24, a first protrusion aperture 26, and a second protrusion aperture 28. The first electric vehicle charging port 20 may include a locking mechanism 30 disposed within the locking mechanism aperture 24, which may include a locking member 32 having an inner side 33.

[0114] The first electric vehicle charging port 20 can further include a first protrusion 34 disposed within the first protrusion hole 26. A first set of terminal receptacles 36 can be disposed within the first protrusion 34.

[0115] The first protrusion 34 can be given a first protrusion shape. In some embodiments, the first protrusion shape can be a substantially cylindrical shape with a substantially circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the first protrusion 34 can be given other shapes, such as a rectangular or square shape, a triangular shape, a trapezoidal shape, a combination of shapes, or an irregular shape.

[0116] The first protrusion 34 may be assigned a set of dimensions (not shown). In some embodiments, the set of dimensions of the first protrusion 34 may include a diameter, a circumference, and / or a depth. In some embodiments, the diameter of the first protrusion 34 may be approximately 33.9 mm. In some embodiments, the depth of the first protrusion 34 may be approximately 35.5 mm.

[0117] The first electric vehicle charging port 20 can include a second protrusion 38 disposed within the second protrusion hole 28. A second set of terminal receptacles 40 can be disposed within the second protrusion 38.

[0118] The second protrusion 38 can be given a second protrusion shape. In some embodiments, the second protrusion shape can be a generally cylindrical shape with a generally elliptical cross-section. In other embodiments, the second protrusion 38 can be given other shapes, such as a rectangular or square shape, a triangular shape, a trapezoidal shape, a combination of shapes, or an irregular shape.

[0119] The second protrusion 38 may be assigned a set of dimensions (not shown). In some embodiments, the set of dimensions for the second protrusion 38 may include one or more diameters, circumferences, and / or depths. One or more dimensions within the set of dimensions for the second protrusion 38 may be the same as or different from one or more dimensions within the set of dimensions for the first protrusion 34. In some embodiments, the depth of the first protrusion 34 may be the same as the depth of the second protrusion 38.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first diameter (or width) of the second protrusion 38 may be approximately 51.34 mm, and the second diameter (or height) of the second protrusion 38 may be approximately 25.34 mm. In some embodiments, the depth of the second protrusion 38 may be approximately 35.5 mm.

[0121] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism hole 24 may be disposed above the first protrusion hole 26, and the first protrusion hole 26 may be disposed above the second protrusion hole 28. A divider 42 may be disposed between the locking mechanism hole 24 and the first protrusion hole 26. A channel 44 may be disposed between the first protrusion hole 26 and the second protrusion hole 28.

[0122] The channel 44 can be defined by a first channel side 46a and a second channel side 46b. In some embodiments, the channel 44 can be given a generally rectilinear shape, although other shapes can be used. The channel 44 can be given a set of dimensions (not shown). In some embodiments, the set of dimensions of the channel 44 can include a width, a height, and a depth. For example, in some embodiments, the width of the channel 44 can be approximately 9.1 mm. In some embodiments, the height of the channel 44 can be approximately 3.48 mm. In some embodiments, the depth of the channel 44 can be approximately 35.5 mm.

[0123] The depth of the channel 44 may be the same as or different from the depth of the first protrusion 34 or the depth of the second protrusion 38. In some embodiments, the depths of the channel 44, the first protrusion 34, and the second protrusion 38 may be substantially the same or the same.

[0124] Steering Figures 2A-2DThe first embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device 100 may include a housing 102. The housing 102 may be made of a polymer material (such as plastic), metal, or other suitable materials, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the housing 102 may be made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer plastic. In some embodiments, the housing 102 may be formed using injection molding or a 3D printer.

[0125] The housing 102 may include a base 104 defined by a front side 106 and a back side 108. The base 104 may also have a top portion 110 and a bottom portion 112 opposite the top portion 110. In some embodiments, the top portion 110 terminates at a top edge 111. The base 104 may have an outer edge 114 that defines the shape of the base 104. In some embodiments, the shape of the base 104 may be generally square, rectangular, circular, oval, triangular, trapezoidal, etc. In some embodiments, the shape of the base 104 may be imparted with rounded edges, such as Figure 2A 、 2B and as shown in 2D. Combinations of shapes and irregular shapes are also considered.

[0126] In some embodiments, the base 104 may be provided as Figure 2B and 2D , wherein the top length 116 of the top portion 110 is smaller than the bottom length 118 of the bottom portion 112. In some embodiments, the top length 116 of the top portion 110 can be 40.23 mm, or approximately 40.23 mm, and the bottom length 118 of the bottom portion 112 can be 65 mm, or approximately 65 mm.

[0127] The base 104 can be assigned a base height 120. In some embodiments, the base height 120 can be 95.32 mm, or approximately 95.32 mm. The base 104 can also be assigned a base thickness (not shown). In some embodiments, the base thickness can be 3 mm, or approximately 3 mm.

[0128] The top portion 110 of the base 104 may be interrupted by a dimple 122 disposed in a central region of the top portion 110. The dimple 122 may extend downwardly from the top edge 111 and be defined by a first dimple side 123a, a second dimple side 123b, and a bottom dimple side 123c. In some embodiments, the dimple 122 may be given a "C" or "U" shape, such as Figure 2B and 2D As shown in .

[0129] The front side 106 of the base 104 can include a first flange 124 and a second flange 126 protruding outward therefrom. The first flange 124 can have a top flange portion 125 and a bottom flange portion 127. In some embodiments, the first flange 124 can be positioned above the second flange 126 and below the recess 122 of the top portion 110. The first flange 124 can be connected to the second flange 126 by a ridge 128. In some embodiments, the ridge 128 can extend downward from a central region of the bottom flange portion 127.

[0130] The first flange 124 can have a first flange wall 130 that is imparted with a first flange thickness. In some embodiments, the first flange thickness can be 2.5 mm, or approximately 2.5 mm.

[0131] The first flange wall 130 can define a first flange shape. The first flange shape can be any size and shape suitable for engaging with the first protrusion 34 when the electric vehicle locking device 100 is placed on or otherwise communicated with the first electric vehicle charging port 20. In some embodiments, the first flange shape can be the same or substantially the same as the shape of the first protrusion 34 of the first electric vehicle charging port 20. In some embodiments, the first flange shape can be substantially cylindrical with a substantially circular cross-section.

[0132] The first flange 124 can be assigned a first set of dimensions. In some embodiments, the first set of dimensions of the first flange 124 can be complementary to a set of dimensions of the first protrusion 34 of the first electric vehicle charging port 20, such that the first flange 124 can be placed on and fit over the first protrusion 34. In some cases, a friction fit between the first flange wall 130 and the first protrusion 34 can prevent the housing 102 from disengaging from the first electric vehicle charging port 20.

[0133] In some embodiments, the first set of dimensions of the first flange 124 may include a first flange diameter 132 (see Figure 2B ), first flange circumference (not shown), and first flange depth 134 (see Figure 4C In some embodiments, the first flange diameter 132 can be equal to or greater than the diameter of the first protrusion 34 of the first electric vehicle charging port 20. For example, in some embodiments, the first flange diameter 132 can be 38 mm, or approximately 38 mm, and the first flange circumference can be 119.41 mm, or approximately 119.41 mm.

[0134] The first flange depth 134 can be the same as or different from the depth of the first protrusion 34 of the first electric vehicle charging port 20. In some embodiments, the first flange depth 134 is the same as, approximately the same as, or less than the depth of the first protrusion 34 of the first electric vehicle charging port 20. For example, in some embodiments, the first flange depth 134 can be 30 mm, or approximately 30 mm.

[0135] The second flange 126 can have a second flange wall 136 that can be imparted with a second flange thickness. In some embodiments, the second flange thickness can be 2.5 mm, or approximately 2.5 mm.

[0136] The second flange wall 136 can define a second flange shape. The second flange shape can be any size and shape suitable for engaging with the second protrusion 38 when the electric vehicle locking device 100 is placed on or otherwise communicated with the first electric vehicle charging port 20. In some embodiments, the second flange shape can be the same or substantially the same as the second protrusion 38 of the first electric vehicle charging port 20. In some embodiments, the second flange shape can be substantially cylindrical with a substantially oval cross-section.

[0137] The second flange 126 can be provided with a second set of dimensions. In some embodiments, the second set of dimensions of the second flange 126 can be complementary to a set of dimensions of the second protrusion 38 of the first electric vehicle charging port 20, such that the second flange 126 can be placed on and fit over the second protrusion 38. In some cases, a friction fit between the second flange wall 136 and the second protrusion 38 can prevent the housing 102 from disengaging from the first electric vehicle charging port 20.

[0138] In some embodiments, the second set of dimensions for the second flange 126 may include a second flange diameter 138, a second flange height 140 (see Figure 2B ), the second flange circumference (not shown), and the second flange depth 142 (see Figure 4C In some embodiments, the second flange diameter 138 can be equal to or greater than the first diameter of the second protrusion 38 of the first electric vehicle charging port 20 . In some embodiments, the second flange height 140 can be equal to or greater than the second diameter of the second protrusion 38 of the first electric vehicle charging port 20 . For example, in some embodiments, the second flange diameter (or width) 138 can be 53.51 mm, or approximately 53.51 mm; and the second flange height 140 can be 27.11 mm, or approximately 27.11 mm. The second flange circumference can be 137.98 mm, or approximately 137.98 mm.

[0139] The second flange depth 142 can be the same as or different from the depth of the second protrusion 38 of the first electric vehicle charging port 20. In some embodiments, the second flange depth 142 can be the same as, approximately the same as, or less than the depth of the second protrusion 38 of the first electric vehicle charging port 20. In other embodiments, the second flange depth 142 can be the same as the first flange depth 134. For example, in some embodiments, the second flange depth 142 can be 30 mm or approximately 30 mm.

[0140] The ridges 128 may be sized and shaped to engage the channel 44 of the first electric vehicle charging port 20. In some embodiments, the ridges 128 may be generally rectangular, although other shapes that may engage the channel 44 of the first electric vehicle charging port 20 may also be used.

[0141] In some embodiments, the ridge 128 may be formed by a ridge width 144 (see Figure 2B ), ridge height 146, and ridge depth 148 (see Figure 2C ). The ridge width 144 can be equal to or less than the width of the channel 44 of the first electric vehicle charging port 20. In some embodiments, the ridge width 144 can be 6.49 mm or approximately 6.49 mm. The ridge height 146 can be equal to or greater than the height of the channel 44 of the first electric vehicle charging port 20. In some embodiments, the ridge height 146 can be 4.55 mm or approximately 4.55 mm.

[0142] The ridge depth 148 can be the same as or different from the depth of the channel 44 of the first electric vehicle charging port 20. Additionally, the ridge depth 148 can be the same as or different from the first flange depth 134 or the second flange depth 142. In some embodiments, the ridge depth 148, the first flange depth 134, and the second flange depth 142 can be the same. In some embodiments, the ridge depth 148 can be 30 mm or approximately 30 mm.

[0143] The rear side 108 of the base 104 can include a jig support unit 150 protruding outward therefrom. The jig support unit 150 can be defined by a bottom support member 152, a first side 154a, and a second side 154b. In some embodiments, the first side 154a can be substantially parallel to the second side 154b. In some embodiments, the second side 154b can be a mirror image of the first side 154a.

[0144] The first side 154a can include a first side panel 156a having a first bottom end 158a and a first top end 160a. The first side panel 156a can be attached to the bottom support member 152 at the first bottom end 158a. The second side 154b can include a second side panel 156b having a second bottom end 158b and a second top end 160b. The second side panel 156b can be attached to the bottom support member 152 at the second bottom end 158b.

[0145] The bottom support member 152 may connect the first bottom end 158a of the first side panel 156a to the second bottom end 158b of the second side panel 156b. Figure 2D As shown in FIG, a gap 162 is formed between the first side plate 156a and the second side plate 156b.

[0146] A first hole 164a can be located in the first side panel 156a between the first top end 160a and the first bottom end 158a and extend completely through the first side panel 156a. A second hole 164b can also be located in the second side panel 156b between the second top end 160b and the second bottom end 158b and extend completely through the second side panel 156b. The second hole 164b can be located in the second side panel 156b at the same location as the first hole 164a in the first side panel 156a, so that the first and second holes 164a, 164b are substantially aligned. The first and second holes 164a, 164b can be of any size and shape suitable for passing through the shackle or shank of the locking element (e.g., the shackle 14 of the locking element 10). In some embodiments, the first and second holes 164a, 164b can be substantially oval in shape. In other embodiments, the first and second holes 164a, 164b can be substantially circular in shape.

[0147] The first side 154a can further include a first clamp support 166a on the first top end 160a, and the second side 154b can include a second clamp support 166b on the second top end 160b. A first vertical support 168a can extend from the first clamp support 166a toward the top edge 111 of the base 104, and a second vertical support 168b can extend from the second clamp support 166b toward the top edge 111 of the base 104. In some embodiments, the first vertical support 168a and the second vertical support 168b can be mirror images of each other. The first and second vertical supports 168a, 168b can also be disposed on the rear side 108 of the housing 102 adjacent to the well 122, such that the first vertical support 168a is disposed adjacent to the first well side 123a of the well 122, and the second vertical support 168b is disposed adjacent to the second well side 123b of the well 122.

[0148] The clamp connector 170 can extend between the first top portion 172a of the first vertical support 168a and the first top portion 172b of the second vertical support 168b, thereby connecting the first vertical support 168a to the second vertical support 168b. The clamp connector 170 can also extend across the pit 122 such that an opening 174 is defined by the first pit side 123a, the second pit side 123b, the bottom pit side 123c, and the clamp connector 170. In some embodiments, the clamp connector 170 can be given a cylindrical or rod-like shape.

[0149] The clamp support unit 150 can be designed to engage with one or more embodiments of the clamps disclosed herein (e.g., 200, 400, 800, 1000). In some embodiments, the first and second clamp supports 166a, 166b can be designed to engage or otherwise communicate with the first and second support legs (e.g., 222a, 222b), respectively, of a clamp (e.g., 200). The clamp connector 170 can be designed to engage with a coupling member (e.g., 216) of the clamp so that the coupling member can rotate about the clamp connector 170 to raise and / or lower the first end (e.g., 204) of the first elongated member (e.g., 202) of the clamp. Additionally, the gap 162 provided between the first and second side plates 156a, 156b can be designed to allow the second elongated member (e.g., 228) of the clamp to move generally upward or downward between the first and second side plates 156a, 156b. In addition, the first and second holes 164a, 164b of the clamp support unit 150 can be designed to be roughly aligned with the locking through hole (e.g., 236) of the clamp so that the shackle of the locking member (e.g., shackle 14 of the locking member 10) can pass through the housing 102 and clamp and secure it to the electric vehicle charging port (e.g., 20) or the electric vehicle charging plug.

[0150] The first embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device 100 may include a first embodiment of a clamp 200 designed for use therewith. The clamp 200 may be made of a polymer material (such as plastic), metal, or other suitable materials, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the clamp 200 may be made of polypropylene. In some embodiments, the clamp 200 may be formed using injection molding or a 3D printer.

[0151] like Figure 3A and 3B, the clamp 200 can be provided in the form of a body having a first elongated member 202 defining a first end 204 and a second end 206 opposite the first end 204. The first elongated member 202 can have a first elongated side 207a and a second elongated side 207b, whereby the first and second elongated sides 207a, 207b can extend between the first end 204 and the second end 206 of the first elongated member 202. The first elongated member 202 can be further defined by a top side 208 and a bottom side 210.

[0152] The first elongated member 202 may terminate at a hook portion 212 that extends downwardly from the bottom side 210 at the first end 204. In some embodiments, the hook portion 212 may be designed to Figure 1 The locking mechanism 30 (or Figure 11 The locking mechanism 30 ′ of the second electric vehicle charging port 20 ′ or Figure 29 The hook portion 212 is configured to engage the locking mechanism 54'' of the fourth electric vehicle charging plug 50'', as described below. In some embodiments, the hook portion 212 can be given a generally triangular cross-sectional profile. In other embodiments, the hook portion 212 can be given a different shape.

[0153] The first elongated member 202 can further include a first rail 214a and a second rail 214b extending along the top side 208 of the first elongated member 202. The first rail 214a can be disposed on and coextensive with the first elongated side 207a, and the second rail 214b can be disposed on and coextensive with the second elongated side 207b. In some embodiments, the first and second rails 214a, 214b can provide structural support or additional rigidity to the first elongated member 202.

[0154] The first elongated member 202 may further include a coupling member 216 projecting downwardly from its bottom side 210. The coupling member 216 may be disposed on the bottom side 210 of the first elongated member 202 adjacent the second end 206. In some embodiments, the bottom side 210 of the first elongated member 202 and the coupling member 216 together may define a Figure 3B , or a "C" or "U" shaped recessed corner 217 as shown in FIG. The coupling member 216 may include a protrusion 218 on an end portion of the coupling member 216. In some embodiments, the protrusion 218 may extend upward toward the bottom side 210 of the first elongated member 202. In some embodiments, the recessed corner 217 and the protrusion 218 may be designed to keep the clamp 200 engaged with the housing 102 when the clamp 200 is placed on the housing 102 (e.g., see FIG. Figure 4C ), or holding fixture 200 with Figures 13A-13CThe housing 502 of the third embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device 500 is engaged or coupled with Figures 31A-31C The housing 1102 of the seventh embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device 1100 is engaged as described below.

[0155] In some embodiments, the first elongated member 202 can be made of a flexible but strong material so that when the clamp 200 is attached to or engaged with the housing 102 of the electric vehicle locking device 100 (or the housing 502 of the electric vehicle locking device 500 or the housing 1102 of the electric vehicle locking device 1100), the hook portion 212 can slide upward and slide over the locking mechanism 30 of the first electric vehicle charging port 20 (or the locking mechanism 30' of the second electric vehicle charging port 20' or the locking mechanism 54''' of the fourth electric vehicle charging plug 50'''), but cannot be easily tampered with or destroyed. In some embodiments, the first elongated member 202 may also be given a length suitable for enabling the hook portion 212 to slide upward and over the locking mechanism 30 (or locking mechanism 30 ′ or locking mechanism 54 ′″) of the first electric vehicle charging port 20 when the clamp 200 is attached to or engaged with the housing 102 (or housing 502 or housing 1102) of the electric vehicle locking device 100 and secure the electric vehicle locking device 100 to the locking member 32 of the locking mechanism 30 .

[0156] The second end 206 of the first elongated member 202 can be connected to or attached to the platform portion 220. The platform portion 220 can include a first support leg 222a disposed on a first platform side 224a of the platform portion 220 and a second support leg 222b disposed on a second platform side 224b of the platform portion 220. In some embodiments, the second support leg 222b can be substantially parallel to and a mirror image of the first support leg 222a. The first and second support legs 222a, 222b can extend downwardly and away from the front end 226 of the platform portion 220 at an angle. In some embodiments, the angle at which the first and second support legs 222a, 222b extend downwardly from the front end 226 of the platform portion 220 can be 45 degrees or approximately 45 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle can be greater than or less than 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the first and second support legs 222a, 222b can be made of a flexible yet strong material so that the first and second support legs 222a, 222b can compress and expand without breaking. In some embodiments, the first and second support legs 222a, 222b may be spring members or flexible materials.

[0157] In some embodiments, the platform portion 220 can be provided with a generally rectangular shape. In other embodiments, the platform portion 220 can be provided with another shape (e.g., an oval shape) or an irregular shape. In some embodiments, the platform portion 220 can be provided with a length and width and / or surface area sufficient to allow a person's finger or thumb to engage with and press downwardly on the platform portion 220. For example, in some embodiments, the platform portion 220 can be provided with a length of, or approximately, 14.88 mm and a width of, or approximately, 22.5 mm.

[0158] The clamp 200 can further include a second elongated member 228 extending downwardly from the central portion 230 of the platform portion 220. The second elongated member 228 can have a top end 232 and a bottom end 234 and can be connected or attached to the central portion 230 of the platform portion 220 at the top end 232 of the second elongated member 228. In some embodiments, the second elongated member 228 can extend downwardly from the platform portion 220 such that the first elongated member 202 and the second elongated member 228 are disposed substantially perpendicular to each other, as shown. Figure 3B In some embodiments, the second elongated member 228 may be given a length such that when the clamp 200 is attached to a Figure 4B and 4C The housing 102 (or Figure 13B and 13C Housing 502 or Figure 31B and 31C When the second elongated member 228 is mounted on or engaged with the housing 1102 of the electric vehicle locking device 100 (or the bottom support 152 of the housing 102 of the electric vehicle locking device 500 or the bottom support 1152 of the housing 1102 of the electric vehicle locking device 1100), a space 235 exists between the bottom support 152 of the housing 102 of the electric vehicle locking device 100 (or the bottom support 552 of the housing 502 of the electric vehicle locking device 500 or the bottom support 1152 of the housing 1102 of the electric vehicle locking device 1100) and the bottom end 234 of the second elongated member 228.

[0159] A locking aperture 236 can be provided in the second elongated member 228 between the top end 232 and the bottom end 234 and extend completely through the second elongated member 228. In some embodiments, the locking aperture 236 can be provided adjacent to the bottom end 234. The locking aperture 236 can be sized and shaped to allow passage of a shackle or shank of a locking member (e.g., shackle 14 of locking member 10). In some embodiments, the locking aperture 236 can be provided with the same shape and / or dimensions as the first and second apertures 164a, 164b of the clamp support unit 150 of the housing 102 (or the first and second apertures 564a, 564b of the clamp support unit 550 or the first and second apertures 1164a, 1164b of the clamp support unit 1150). In some embodiments, the locking aperture 236 can have the same shape as the first and second apertures 164a, 164b of the clamp support unit 150 of the housing 102, but with different dimensions. In other embodiments, the locking through-hole 236 may have a different size and / or shape than the first hole 164a or the second hole 164b of the clamp support unit 150 of the housing 102 (or the first and second holes 564a, 564b of the clamp support unit 550 or the first and second holes 1164a, 1164b of the clamp support unit 1150). In some embodiments, the locking through-hole 236 may be provided at a position in the second elongated member 228 such that when the clamp 200 is attached to the housing 102 in the first clamp position (e.g., see FIG. 2 ), ... Figure 4A and 4C ;or Figure 13A and 13C Housing 502 or Figure 31A and 31C When the housing 1102 is attached or engaged therewith, the locking through hole 236 is roughly aligned with the first hole 164a and the second hole 164b of the clamp support unit 150 (or the first and second holes 564a, 564b of the clamp support unit 550 or the first and second holes 1164a, 1164b of the clamp support unit 1150).

[0160] like Figures 4A-4C As shown in FIG, the clamp 200 can be attached to or engaged with the housing 102. When in the first clamp position, the clamp 200 can be placed on the housing 102 so that the coupling member 216, the bottom side 210 of the first elongated member 202, and / or the protrusion 218 of the clamp 200 can engage with the clamp connector 170 of the housing 102, as shown in FIG. Figure 4C When in the first clamp position, the clamp connector 170 can be seated in the recessed corner 217 and the coupling member 216 can extend through the opening 174 of the housing 102, as shown. Figure 4C. In addition, when in the first clamp position, the first support leg 222a can engage the first clamp support 166a of the clamp support unit 150, and the second support leg 222b can engage the second clamp support 166b of the clamp support unit 150. The first elongated member 202 of the clamp 200 can extend above the top flange portion 125 of the first flange 124. The second elongated member 228 can be disposed within the gap 162 between the first side 154a and the second side 154b of the clamp support unit 150, as shown. Figure 4B Further, when in the first clamp position, the locking through-hole 236 of the clamp 200 may be substantially aligned with the first hole 164a of the first side 154a and the second hole 164b of the second side 154b of the clamp support unit 150.

[0161] As described above, when in the first clamp position, the first and second support legs 222a, 222b can engage the first and second clamp supports 166a, 166b, respectively. Furthermore, when in the first clamp position, the locking through-hole 236 of the second elongated member 228 of the clamp 200 can be substantially aligned with the first hole 164a on the first side 154a and the second hole 164b on the second side 154b of the clamp support unit 150 of the housing 102.

[0162] When the electric vehicle locking device 100 is being placed on or removed from the first electric vehicle charging port 20, the clamp 200 can be moved to a second clamp position (not shown). When moving to the second clamp position, the first end 204 of the first elongated member 202 can move in a generally upward direction. In some embodiments, the clamp 200 can be moved to the second clamp position in response to the platform portion 220 being pressed downward, causing the first and second support legs 222a, 222b to compress (e.g., the angle between the platform portion 220 and one or more of the first and second support legs 222a, 222b to decrease). In other embodiments, the clamp 200 can be moved to the second clamp position in response to the hook portion 212 of the first elongated member 202 engaging the locking mechanism 30 of the first electric vehicle charging port 20. In the second clamp position, the first end 204 of the first elongated member 202 can be raised upward, allowing the hook portion 212 to slide over the locking member 32 of the locking mechanism 30 of the first electric vehicle charging port 20. When the first end 204 of the first elongated member 202 is raised upward, the coupling member 216 and the protrusion 218 can move or rotate in a first direction about the clamp connector 170 of the housing 102. In some embodiments, when the first end 204 of the first elongated member 202 is raised upward, the second elongated member 228 can move in a generally downward direction to reduce the space 235 between the bottom end of the second elongated member 228 and the bottom support 152 of the clamp support unit 150. In some embodiments, when the second elongated member 228 is moved in the generally downward direction, the locking through-hole 236 of the second elongated member 228 may become misaligned with the first hole 164a and the second hole 164b of the clamp support unit 150.

[0163] If the electric vehicle locking device 100 is being placed on the first electric vehicle charging port 20, the clamp 200 can be moved from the first clamp position to the second clamp position. When the clamp 200 moves from the first clamp position to the second clamp position, the housing 102 can engage with the first electric vehicle charging port 20. In some embodiments, the first flange 124 of the housing 102 can engage with the first protrusion 34 of the first electric vehicle charging port 20 so that the first flange 124 surrounds all or a portion of the first protrusion 34, the ridge 128 can engage with the channel 44 of the first electric vehicle charging port 20 so that the ridge 128 slides through the channel 44, and the second flange 126 of the housing 102 can engage with the second protrusion 38 of the first electric vehicle charging port 20 so that the second flange 126 surrounds all or a portion of the second protrusion 38.

[0164] After moving to the second clamp position in response to the platform portion 220 being depressed, the clamp 200 can move back to the first clamp position when the platform portion 220 is released. When the clamp 200 moves back to the first clamp position, the first end 204 of the first elongated member 202 can be lowered, and the coupling member 216 and the protrusion 218 can move or rotate about the clamp connector 170 of the housing 102 in a direction opposite to the first direction. Additionally, when the clamp 200 moves back to the first clamp position, the second elongated member 228 can move in a generally upward direction as the first and second support legs 222a, 222b are decompressed (e.g., the angle between the platform portion 220 and one or more of the first and second support legs 222a, 222b increases). If the electric vehicle locking device 100 has already been placed on the first electric vehicle charging port 20, when the clamp 200 returns to the first clamp position, the hook portion 212 can be disposed on the inner side 33 of the locking member 32. In addition, when the clamp 200 moves back to the first clamp position, the first hole 164a of the clamp support unit 150, the locking through hole 236 of the second elongated member 228, and the second hole 164b of the clamp support unit 150 can be roughly aligned so that the shackle 14 of the locking piece 10 can pass through the first hole 164a, the locking through hole 236, and the second hole 164b, and vice versa. The shackle 14 can then be securely attached to the body 12 of the locking piece 10, thereby placing the electric vehicle locking device 100 in a position such as Figure 5 in the locked position shown in .

[0165] When in the locked position, the clamp 200 cannot be fully moved to the second clamp position (e.g., the hook portion 212 cannot be raised high enough to slide back over the locking member 32 of the first electric vehicle charging port 20) because the shackle 14 prevents the second elongated member 228 of the clamp 200 from moving fully downward. To remove the electric vehicle locking device 100 from the first electric vehicle charging port 20, the shackle 14 of the lock 10 can be disengaged from the body 12 of the lock 10 and removed from the clamp support unit 150 of the housing 102 by passing the shackle 14 through the second hole 164b, the locking through-hole 236, and the first hole 164a, or vice versa. Once the lock 10 is removed from the electric vehicle locking device 100, the platform portion 220 of the clamp 200 can be depressed, thereby moving the clamp 200 from the first clamp position to the second clamp position, in which the first and second support legs 222a, 222b are compressed and the hook portion 212 is raised. When the electric vehicle locking device 100 is slid away from the first electric vehicle charging port 20 or is otherwise removed (e.g., the first flange 124 is removed from the first protrusion 34, the ridge 128 is removed from the channel 44, and the second flange 126 is removed from the second protrusion 38), the hook portion 212 can then move over and away from the locking member 32.

[0166] Figure 6 A partially exploded view depicts a second embodiment of a locking member 10, an electric vehicle locking device 300, and a first electric vehicle (EV) charging plug 50. The first EV charging plug 50 can be attached to an EV charging station (not shown). In some embodiments, the first EV charging plug 50 can be configured as a combined charging system (CCS) Type 1 plug.

[0167] The first electric vehicle charging plug 50 may include a plug housing 52 having a locking mechanism 54 disposed on a front side 55 thereof and protruding outward therefrom. The locking mechanism 54 may include a locking member 56, and in some embodiments, the locking member 56 may be provided in the form of a hook. The first electric vehicle charging plug 50 may also include a lock release button 58 on a rear side 60 of the plug housing 52. In some embodiments, the lock release button 58 may be used to release or otherwise disengage the locking mechanism 54 and the locking member 56 so that the electric vehicle locking device 300 can be removed from the first electric vehicle charging plug 50.

[0168] The first electric vehicle charging plug 50 may include a first protrusion 64 disposed on the front side 55 of the plug housing 52. A first set of terminals 66 may be disposed within the first protrusion 64. The first protrusion 64 may be provided with a first protrusion shape. In some embodiments, the first protrusion shape may be substantially cylindrical with a substantially circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the first protrusion 64 may be provided with other shapes, such as a rectangular or square shape, a triangular shape, a trapezoidal shape, or the like, a combination of shapes, or an irregular shape. In some embodiments, the first protrusion 64 may be provided with a sloped front side (not shown), wherein a top portion of the first protrusion has a first depth and a bottom portion of the first protrusion 64 has a second or maximum depth that is greater than the first depth (e.g., the depth of the protrusion is non-uniform along its surface).

[0169] The first protrusion 64 may be assigned a set of dimensions (not shown). In some embodiments, the set of dimensions for the first protrusion 64 may include a diameter, a circumference, and / or a maximum depth. In some embodiments, the diameter of the first protrusion 64 may be approximately 44 mm. In some embodiments, the circumference of the first protrusion 64 may be approximately 138.23 mm. In some embodiments, the maximum depth of the first protrusion 64 may be approximately 33.5 mm.

[0170] The first electric vehicle charging plug 50 may include a second protrusion 68 disposed on the front side 55 of the plug housing 52. A second set of terminals 70 may be disposed within the second protrusion 68.

[0171] The second protrusion 68 can be given a second protrusion shape. In some embodiments, the second protrusion shape can be a generally cylindrical shape with a generally elliptical cross-section. In other embodiments, the second protrusion 68 can be given other shapes, such as a rectangular or square shape, a triangular shape, a trapezoidal shape, a combination of shapes, or an irregular shape.

[0172] The second protrusion 68 may be assigned a set of dimensions (not shown). In some embodiments, the set of dimensions for the second protrusion 68 may include one or more diameters, circumferences, and / or depths. One or more dimensions within the set of dimensions for the second protrusion 68 may be the same as or different from one or more dimensions within the set of dimensions for the first protrusion 64. In one embodiment, the depth of the second protrusion 68 may be the same as the maximum depth of the first protrusion 64.

[0173] In some embodiments, the first diameter (or width) of the second protrusion 68 can be approximately 59 mm, and the second diameter (or height) of the second protrusion 68 can be approximately 32.6 mm. In some embodiments, the circumference of the second protrusion 38 can be approximately 155.22 mm. In some embodiments, the depth of the second protrusion 68 can be approximately 33.5 mm.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first protrusion 64 may be disposed above the second protrusion 68. The protrusion ridge 62 may be disposed between the first protrusion 64 and the second protrusion 68. The protrusion ridge 62 may connect the first protrusion 64 to the second protrusion 68.

[0175] The raised ridge 62 can be given a generally rectangular shape, although other shapes can be used. The raised ridge 62 can be given a set of dimensions (not shown). In some embodiments, the set of dimensions of the raised ridge 62 can include width, height, and depth. For example, the width of the raised ridge 62 can be approximately 9 mm. In some embodiments, the height of the raised ridge 62 can be approximately 4.34 mm. In some embodiments, the depth of the raised ridge 62 can be approximately 33.5 mm.

[0176] The depth of the protrusion ridge 62 may be the same as or different from the maximum depth of the first protrusion 64 or the depth of the second protrusion 68. In some embodiments, the depth of the protrusion ridge 62, the maximum depth of the first protrusion 64, and the depth of the second protrusion 68 may be the same.

[0177] Steering Figures 7A-7D The second embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device 300 may include a housing 302. The housing 302 may be made of a polymer material (such as plastic), metal, or other suitable materials, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the housing 302 may be made of ABS polymer plastic. In some embodiments, the housing 302 may be formed using injection molding or a 3D printer.

[0178] The housing 302 may include a base 304 defined by a front side 306 and a back side 308. The base 304 may also have a top portion 310 and a bottom portion 312 opposite the top portion 310. The base 304 may have an outer edge 314 that defines the shape of the base 304. In some embodiments, the shape of the base 304 may be substantially square, rectangular, circular, oval, triangular, trapezoidal, etc. In some embodiments, the shape of the base 304 may be imparted with rounded edges, such as Figure 7A 、 7B Combinations of shapes and irregular shapes are also contemplated.

[0179] In some embodiments, the base 304 may be provided as Figure 7B and 7D , wherein the top length 316 of the top portion 310 is smaller than the bottom length 318 of the bottom portion 312. In some embodiments, the top length 316 of the top portion 310 can be 50.12 mm, or approximately 50.12 mm, and the bottom length 318 of the bottom portion 312 can be 67 mm, or approximately 67 mm.

[0180] The base 304 can be assigned a base height 320. In some embodiments, the base height 320 can be 86.27 mm, or approximately 86.27 mm. The base 304 can also be assigned a base thickness (not shown). In some embodiments, the base thickness can be 3 mm, or approximately 3 mm.

[0181] The front side 306 of the base 304 can include a first flange 324 and a second flange 326 protruding outward therefrom. The first flange 324 can have a top flange portion 325 and a bottom flange portion 327. In some embodiments, the first flange 324 can be disposed above the second flange 326. The first flange 324 can be connected to the second flange 326 via a flange channel 328. In some embodiments, the flange channel can extend through a central region of the bottom flange portion 327.

[0182] The first flange 324 can have a first flange wall 330 that is imparted with a first flange thickness. In some embodiments, the first flange thickness can be 2.4 mm, or approximately 2.4 mm.

[0183] The first flange wall 330 can define a first flange shape. The first flange shape can be any size and shape suitable for engaging with the first protrusion 64 when the electric vehicle locking device 300 is placed on or otherwise connected to the first electric vehicle charging plug 50. In some embodiments, the first flange shape can be the same or substantially the same as the shape of the first protrusion 64 of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50. In some embodiments, the first flange shape can be substantially cylindrical with a substantially circular cross-section.

[0184] The first flange 324 can be assigned a first set of dimensions. In some embodiments, the first set of dimensions of the first flange 324 can be complementary to a set of dimensions of the first protrusion 64 of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50, such that the first flange 324 can be placed onto and fit onto the first protrusion 64. In some cases, a friction fit between the first flange wall 330 and the first protrusion 64 can prevent the housing 302 from disengaging from the first electric vehicle charging plug 50.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first set of dimensions for the first flange 324 may include a first flange diameter 332 (see Figure 7B ), first flange circumference (not shown), and first flange depth 334 (see Figure 9CIn some embodiments, the first flange diameter 332 can be equal to or greater than the diameter of the first protrusion 64 of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50. For example, in some embodiments, the first flange diameter 332 can be 45.58 mm, or approximately 45.58 mm, and the first flange circumference can be 143.19 mm, or approximately 143.19 mm.

[0186] The first flange depth 334 can be the same as or different from the maximum depth of the first protrusion 64 of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50. In some embodiments, the first flange depth 334 is the same as, approximately the same as, or greater than the maximum depth of the first protrusion 64 of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50. For example, in some embodiments, the first flange depth 334 can be 34 mm or approximately 34 mm.

[0187] The second flange 326 can be provided with a second flange wall 336, which can be provided with a thickness. In some embodiments, the second flange thickness can be 2.4 mm, or approximately 2.4 mm.

[0188] The second flange wall 336 can define a second flange shape. The second flange shape can be any size and shape suitable for engaging with the second protrusion 68 when the electric vehicle locking device 300 is placed on or otherwise connected to the first electric vehicle charging plug 50. In some embodiments, the second flange shape can be the same or substantially the same as the second protrusion 68 of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50. In some embodiments, the second flange shape can be substantially cylindrical with a substantially oval cross-section.

[0189] The second flange 326 can be provided with a second set of dimensions. In some embodiments, the second set of dimensions of the second flange 326 can be complementary to a set of dimensions of the second protrusion 68 of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50, such that the second flange 326 can be placed on and engaged with the second protrusion 68. In some cases, the friction fit between the second flange wall 336 and the second protrusion 68 can prevent the housing 302 from disengaging from the first electric vehicle charging plug 50.

[0190] In some embodiments, the second set of dimensions for the second flange 326 may include a second flange diameter 338, a second flange height 340 (see Figure 7B ), the second flange circumference (not shown), and the second flange depth 342 (see Figure 9CIn some embodiments, the second flange diameter 338 can be equal to or greater than the first diameter of the second protrusion 68 of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50. In some embodiments, the second flange height 340 can be equal to or greater than the second diameter of the second protrusion 68 of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50. For example, in some embodiments, the second flange diameter 338 can be 61.58 mm, or approximately 61.58 mm, the second flange height 340 can be 34.58 mm, or approximately 34.58 mm, and the second flange circumference can be 162.65 mm, or approximately 162.65 mm.

[0191] The second flange depth 342 can be the same as or different from the depth of the second protrusion 68 of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50. In some embodiments, the second flange depth 342 can be the same as, approximately the same as, or greater than the depth of the second protrusion 68 of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50. In some embodiments, the second flange depth 342 can be the same as the first flange depth 334. For example, in some embodiments, the second flange depth 342 can be 34 mm or approximately 34 mm.

[0192] The flange channel 328 can be sized and shaped to engage the raised ridge 62 of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50. In some embodiments, the flange channel 328 can be shaped substantially linearly, although other shapes that can engage the raised ridge 62 of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50 can be used.

[0193] The flange channel 328 may be assigned a flange channel width 344, a flange channel height 346 (see Figure 7B ), and flange channel depth 348 (see Figure 9C ). The flange channel width 344 can be equal to or less than the width of the raised ridge 62 of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50. In some embodiments, the flange channel width 344 can be 9 mm or approximately 9 mm. The flange channel height 346 can be equal to or greater than the height of the raised ridge 62 of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50. In some embodiments, the flange channel height 346 can be 2.53 mm or approximately 2.53 mm.

[0194] The flange channel depth 348 can be the same as or different from the depth of the raised ridge 62 of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50. Furthermore, the flange channel depth 348 can be the same as or different from the first flange depth 334 or the second flange depth 342. In some embodiments, the flange channel depth 348, the first flange depth 334, and the second flange depth 342 can be the same. In some embodiments, the flange channel depth 348 can be 34 mm or approximately 34 mm.

[0195] The rear side 308 of the base 304 may include a jig support unit 350 protruding outward therefrom. The jig support unit 350 may be defined by a bottom support member 352, a first side 354a, and a second side 354b. In some embodiments, the second side 354b may be a mirror image of the first side 354a. In some embodiments, the first side 354a may be substantially parallel to the second side 354b.

[0196] The first side 354a can include a first side panel 356a having a first bottom end 358a and a first top end 360a. The first side panel 356a can be attached to the bottom support 352 at the first bottom end 358a.

[0197] The second side 354b can include a second side panel 356b having a second bottom end 358b and a second top end 360b. The second side panel 356b can be attached to the bottom support member 352 at the second bottom end 358b.

[0198] The bottom support member 352 may connect the first bottom end 358a of the first side panel 356a to the second bottom end 358b of the second side panel 356b. Figure 7D As shown in FIG, a gap 362 is formed between the first side plate 356a and the second side plate 356b.

[0199] A first hole 364a can be located in the first side panel 356a between the first top end 360a and the first bottom end 358a and extend completely through the first side panel 356a. A second hole 364b can also be located in the second side panel 356b between the second top end 360b and the second bottom end 358b and extend completely through the second side panel 356b. The second hole 364b can be located in the second side panel 356b at the same location as the first hole 364a in the first side panel 356a, so that the first and second holes 364a and 364b are substantially aligned. The first and second holes 364a and 364b can be of any size and shape suitable for passing a shackle or shank of a locking element (e.g., shackle 14 of locking element 10). In some embodiments, the first and second holes 364a and 364b can be substantially oval in shape. In other embodiments, the first and second holes 364a and 364b can be substantially circular in shape.

[0200] The first side 354a can further include a first clamp support 366a on the first top end 360a, and the second side 354b can include a second clamp support 366b on the second top end 360b. A first vertical support 368a can extend upward from the first clamp support 366a and extend beyond the top portion 310 of the base 304. A second vertical support 368b can extend upward from the second clamp support 366b and extend beyond the top portion 310 of the base 304. In some embodiments, the first vertical support 368a and the second vertical support 368b can be mirror images of each other.

[0201] The clamp connector 370 may extend between the first top portion 372a of the first vertical support 368a and the first top portion 372b of the second vertical support 368b, thereby connecting the first vertical support 368a to the second vertical support 368b. The clamp connector 370 may also extend from the first vertical support 368a to the second vertical support 368b, such that an opening 374 is defined by the first vertical support 368a, the second vertical support 368b, the top flange portion 325 of the first flange 324, and the clamp connector 370. In some embodiments, the clamp connector 370 may be cylindrical or rod-shaped.

[0202] The first front portion 378a of the first vertical support 368a can be connected or attached to the top flange portion 325 of the first flange 324. The second front portion 378b of the second vertical support 368a can be connected or attached to the top flange portion 325 of the first flange 324. Extending outward from the first front portion 378a of the first vertical support 368a can be a first guide rail 380a, and extending outward from the second front portion 378b of the second vertical support 368b can be a second guide rail 380b. In some embodiments, the first and second guide rails 380a, 380b can extend along the entire length of the top flange portion 325 of the first flange 324. In some embodiments, the first and second guide rails 380a, 380b can be arranged to be substantially parallel to each other and can be mirror images of each other.

[0203] The first guide rail 380a can have a first center portion 382a, and the second guide rail 380b can have a second center portion 382b. In some embodiments, a center divider 384 can extend from the first center portion 382a of the first guide rail 380a to the second center portion 382b of the second guide rail 380b, thereby connecting the first guide rail 380a to the second guide rail 380b. The center divider 384 can also be connected or attached to the top flange portion 325 of the first flange 324 on the bottom side of the center divider 384. The center divider 384 can have a Figure 7A and 9C The inner side 385 is shown in FIG.

[0204] The clamp support unit 350 can be designed to interface with one or more embodiments of the clamps disclosed herein (e.g., 200, 400, 800, 1000). In some embodiments, the first and second clamp supports 366a, 366b can be designed to interface with or otherwise communicate with the first and second support legs (e.g., 422a, 422b), respectively, of a clamp (e.g., 400). The clamp connector 370 can be designed to interface with a coupling member (e.g., 416) of the clamp, allowing the coupling member to rotate about the clamp connector 370 to raise and / or lower the first end (e.g., 404) of the first elongated member (e.g., 402) of the clamp. Additionally, the gap 362 provided between the first and second side plates 356a, 356b of the clamp support unit 350 can be designed to permit movement of the second elongated member (e.g., 428) of the clamp in a generally upward or downward direction between the first and second side plates 356a, 356b. The first and second guide rails 380a, 380b can be designed to engage or otherwise communicate with the first and second guide members (e.g., 412a, 412b) of the clamp, respectively. Furthermore, the first and second holes 364a, 364b of the clamp support unit 350 can be designed to be substantially aligned with the locking through-hole (e.g., 436) of the clamp, so that the shackle of the locking member (e.g., shackle 14 of the locking member 10) can pass through the housing 302 and clamp and secure it to the electric vehicle charging port or electric vehicle charging plug (e.g., 50).

[0205] The second embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device 300 may include a second embodiment of a clamp 400 designed for use therewith. The clamp 400 may be made of a polymer material (such as plastic), metal, or other suitable materials, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the clamp 400 may be made of polypropylene. In some embodiments, the clamp 400 may be formed using injection molding or a 3D printer.

[0206] like Figure 8A and8B , the clamp 400 can be provided in the form of a body having a first elongated member 402 defining a first end 404 and a second end 406 opposite the first end 404. The first elongated member 402 can have a first elongated side 407a and a second elongated side 407b, whereby the first and second elongated sides 407a, 407b can extend between the first end 404 and the second end 406 of the first elongated member 402. The first elongated member 402 can be further defined by a top side 408 and a bottom side 410.

[0207] The first elongated member 402 may further include a first guide member 412a and a second guide member 412b. The first guide member 412a may extend downward from the first elongated side 407a, and the second guide member 412b may extend downward from the second elongated side 407b. In some embodiments, the first and second guide members 412a, 412b may be substantially square or rectangular in shape. In other embodiments, the first and second guide members 412a, 412b may be of different shapes.

[0208] The first end 404 can have a raised member 413. The raised member 413 can protrude upward from the top side 408 of the first elongated member 402. The raised member 413 can be designed to enable the first end 404 of the clamp 400 to receive the locking mechanism 54 (or locking mechanism 54) of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50 when the clamp 400 is moved from the first clamp position to the second clamp position (as discussed in more detail below). Figure 15 The locking mechanism 54 ′ of the second electric vehicle charging plug 50 ′, as described below) is engaged and slid over the locking mechanism 54 , and vice versa.

[0209] The first elongated member 402 can further include a coupling member 416 projecting downwardly from its bottom side 410. The coupling member 416 can be disposed on the bottom side 410 of the first elongated member 402 adjacent the second end 406. In some embodiments, the bottom side 410 of the first elongated member 402 and the coupling member 416 together can define a Figure 8B shaped concave corner 417 as shown in FIG. The coupling member 416 may include a protrusion 418 on the end portion of the coupling member 416. In some embodiments, the protrusion 418 may extend upward toward the bottom side 410 of the first elongated member 402. In some embodiments, the concave corner 417 and the protrusion 418 may be designed to keep the clamp 400 engaged with the housing 302 when the clamp 400 is placed on the housing 302 (e.g., see FIG. Figure 9C ), or holding fixture 400 with Figures 17A-17C The housing 602 of the fourth embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device 600 is engaged.

[0210] In some embodiments, the first elongated member 402 can be made of a flexible but strong material so that when the clamp 400 is attached to or engaged with the housing 302 of the electric vehicle locking device 300 (or the housing 602 of the electric vehicle locking device 600), the first end 404 can slide upward and slide over the locking mechanism 54 of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50 (the locking mechanism 54 ′ of the second electric vehicle charging plug 50 ′), but cannot be easily tampered with or damaged. In some embodiments, the first elongated member 402 can be provided with a length that is suitable for engaging the first elongated member 402 with the locking mechanism 54 (locking mechanism 54 ′) of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50 and securing the electric vehicle locking device 300 to the locking member 56 when the clamp 400 is attached to or engaged with the housing 302 of the electric vehicle locking device 300 (or the housing 602 of the electric vehicle locking device 600).

[0211] The second end 406 of the first elongated member 402 can be connected or attached to the platform portion 420. The platform portion 420 can include a first support leg 422a disposed on a first platform side 424a of the platform portion 420 and a second support leg 422b disposed on a second platform side 424b of the platform portion 420. In some embodiments, the second support leg 422b can be substantially parallel to and a mirror image of the first support leg 422a. The first and second support legs 422a, 422b can extend downwardly and away from the front end 426 of the platform portion 420 at an angle. In some embodiments, the angle at which the first and second support legs 422a, 422b extend downwardly from the front end 426 of the platform portion 420 can be 45 degrees or approximately 45 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle can be greater than or less than 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the first and second support legs 422a, 422b can be made of a flexible yet strong material so that the first and second support legs 422a, 422b can compress and expand without breaking. In some embodiments, the first and second support legs 422a, 422b may be spring members or flexible materials.

[0212] In some embodiments, platform portion 420 can be provided with a generally rectangular shape. In other embodiments, platform portion 420 can be provided with another shape (e.g., an oval shape) or an irregular shape. In some embodiments, platform portion 420 can be provided with a length and width and / or surface area that is sufficiently large to allow a person's finger or thumb to engage with and depress platform portion 420. For example, in some embodiments, platform portion 420 can be provided with a length of, or approximately, 10.52 mm and a width of, or approximately, 22 mm.

[0213] The clamp 400 can further include a second elongated member 428 extending downwardly from the central portion 430 of the platform portion 420. The second elongated member 428 can have a top end 432 and a bottom end 434 and can be connected or attached to the central portion 430 of the platform portion 420 at the top end 432 of the second elongated member 428. In some embodiments, the second elongated member 428 can extend downwardly from the platform portion 420 such that the first elongated member 402 and the second elongated member 428 are disposed substantially perpendicular to each other, as shown. Figure 8B In some embodiments, the second elongated member 428 may be given a length such that when the clamp 400 is attached to a Figure 9B and 9C The housing 302 (or Figure 17B and 17C When the second elongated member 428 is mounted on or engaged with the housing 602 of the electric vehicle locking device 300 , a space 435 exists between the bottom support 352 of the housing 302 of the electric vehicle locking device 300 (or the bottom support 652 of the housing 602 of the electric vehicle locking device 600 ) and the bottom end 434 of the second elongated member 428 .

[0214] A locking aperture 436 can be provided in the second elongated member 428 between the top end 432 and the bottom end 434 and extend completely through the second elongated member 428. In some embodiments, the locking aperture 436 can be provided adjacent to the bottom end 434. The locking aperture 436 can be sized and shaped to allow passage of a shackle or shank of a locking member (e.g., shackle 14 of locking member 10). In some embodiments, the locking aperture 436 can be provided with the same shape and / or dimensions as the first and second apertures 364a, 364b of the clamp support unit 350 of the housing 302 (or the first and second apertures 664a, 664b of the clamp support unit 650). In some embodiments, the locking aperture 436 can have the same shape as the first and second apertures 364a, 364b of the clamp support unit 350 of the housing 302, but with different dimensions. In other embodiments, the locking through-hole 436 may have a different size and / or shape than the first hole 364a or the second hole 364b of the clamp support unit 350 of the housing 302 (or the first and second holes 664a, 664b of the clamp support unit 650). In some embodiments, the locking through-hole 436 may be provided at a position in the second elongated member 428 such that when the clamp 400 is attached to the housing 302 in the first clamp position (e.g., see FIG. Figure 9A and 9C ;or Figure 17A and 17CWhen the housing 602 is attached to or engaged with the clamp support unit 350, the locking through-hole 436 is aligned with the first hole 364a and the second hole 364b of the clamp support unit 350 (or the first and second holes 664a, 664b of the clamp support unit 650).

[0215] like Figures 9A-9C As shown in FIG, the clamp 400 can be attached to or otherwise engaged with the housing 302. When in the first clamp position, the clamp 400 can be placed on the housing 302 so that the coupling member 416, the bottom side 410 of the first elongated member 402, and / or the protrusion 418 of the clamp 400 can engage with the clamp connector 370 of the housing 302, as shown. Figure 9C When in the first clamp position, the clamp connector 370 can be seated in the recessed corner 417 and the coupling member 416 can extend through the opening 374 of the housing 302, as shown. Figure 9C . In addition, when in the first clamp position, the first support leg 422a can be engaged with the first clamp support 366a of the clamp support unit 350, and the second support leg 422b can be engaged with the second clamp support 366b of the clamp support unit 350. The first elongated member 402 of the clamp 400 can extend above the top flange portion 325 of the first flange 324. The second elongated member 428 can be provided at Figure 9B The clamp 400 is positioned within the gap 362 between the first side 354a and the second side 354b of the clamp support unit 350. Further, when in the first clamp position, the locking through hole 436 of the clamp 400 can be substantially aligned with the first hole 364a of the first side 354a and the second hole 364b of the second side 354b of the clamp support unit 350.

[0216] When in the first clamp position, the first guide member 412a of the clamp 400 can be disposed on the outside of the first guide rail 380a on the top flange portion 376 of the first flange 324 of the housing 302. Additionally, the second guide member 412b of the clamp 400 can be disposed on the outside of the second guide rail 380b on the top flange portion 376 of the first flange 324 of the housing 302. In some embodiments, the first and second guide members 412a, 412b can be designed to be in the first clamp position. Figure 10 The locking mechanism 54 prevents access to the first electric vehicle charging plug 50 when in the locked position shown in FIG.

[0217] As described above, when in the first clamp position, the first and second support legs 422a, 422b can engage the first and second clamp supports 366a, 366b, respectively. Additionally, when in the first clamp position, the locking through-hole 436 of the second elongated member 428 of the clamp 400 can be substantially aligned with the first hole 364a on the first side 354a and the second hole 364b on the second side 354b of the clamp support unit 350 of the housing 302. Furthermore, when in the first clamp position, the first and second guide members 412a, 412b can be disposed on the outer sides of the first and second guide rails 380a, 380b, respectively.

[0218] When the electric vehicle locking device 300 is being placed on or removed from the first electric vehicle charging plug 50, the clamp 400 can be moved to a second clamp position (not shown). When moving to the second clamp position, the first end 404 of the first elongated member 402 can move in a generally upward direction. In some embodiments, the clamp 400 can be moved to the second clamp position in response to the platform portion 420 being pressed downward, causing the first and second support legs 422a, 422b to compress (e.g., the angle between the platform portion 420 and one or more of the first and second support legs 422a, 422b to decrease). In some embodiments, the clamp 400 can be moved to the second clamp position in response to the raised member 413 of the first end 404 of the first elongated member 402 engaging the locking mechanism 54 of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50. In other embodiments, the clamp 400 can be moved to a second clamp position in response to the locking member 56 of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50 engaging the center divider 384 between the first and second guide rails 380a, 380b provided on the top flange portion 376. In the second clamp position, the first end 404 of the first elongated member 402 can be raised upward to slide the locking member 56 upward and over the center divider 384 between the first and second guide rails 380a, 380b provided on the top flange portion 376 of the housing 302. When the first end 404 of the first elongated member 402 is raised upward, the coupling member 416 and the protrusion 418 can move or rotate in a first direction about the clamp connector 370 of the housing 302. In some embodiments, when the first end 404 of the first elongated member 402 is raised upward, the second elongated member 428 may move in a generally downward direction, so that the space 435 between the bottom end of the second elongated member 428 and the bottom support 352 of the clamp support unit 350 is reduced. In some embodiments, when the second elongated member 428 is moved in the generally downward direction, the locking through-hole 436 of the second elongated member 428 may become misaligned with the first hole 364a and the second hole 364b of the clamp support unit 350.

[0219] If the electric vehicle locking device 300 is being placed on the first electric vehicle charging plug 50, the clamp 400 can be moved from the first clamping position to the second clamping position. When the clamp 400 moves from the first clamping position toward the second clamping position, the housing 302 can engage with the first electric vehicle charging plug 50. In some embodiments, the first flange 324 of the housing 302 can engage with the first protrusion 64 of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50 so that the first flange 324 surrounds all or a portion of the first protrusion 64, the flange channel 328 can engage with the protrusion ridge 62 of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50 so that the protrusion ridge 62 slides through the flange channel 328, and the second flange 326 of the housing 302 can engage with the second protrusion 68 of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50 so that the second flange 326 surrounds all or a portion of the second protrusion 68.

[0220] After moving to the second clamp position in response to the platform portion 420 being depressed, the clamp 400 can move back to the first clamp position when the platform portion 420 is released. When the clamp 400 moves back to the first clamp position, the first end 404 of the first elongated member 402 can lower, and the coupling member 416 and the protrusion 418 can move or rotate about the clamp connector 370 of the housing 302 in a direction opposite to the first direction. Additionally, when the clamp 400 moves back to the first clamp position, the second elongated member 428 can move in a generally upward direction as the first and second support legs 422a, 422b are decompressed (e.g., the angle between the platform portion 420 and one or more of the first and second support legs 422a, 422b increases). If the electric vehicle locking device 300 is already placed on the first electric vehicle charging plug 50, when the clamp 400 returns to the first clamp position, the locking member 56 can be disposed on the inner side 385 of the center divider 384. In addition, when the clamp 400 moves back to the first clamp position, the first hole 364a of the clamp support unit 350, the locking through hole 436 of the second slender member 428, and the second hole 364b of the clamp support unit 350 can be roughly aligned so that the shackle 14 of the locking member 10 can pass through the first hole 364a, the locking through hole 436, and the second hole 364b, and vice versa. The shackle 14 can then be firmly attached to the body 12 of the locking member 10, thereby placing the electric vehicle locking device 300 in a position such as Figure 10 in the locked position shown in .

[0221] When in the locked position, the clamp 400 cannot be fully moved to the second clamp position because the shackle 14 prevents the second elongated member 428 of the clamp 400 from moving sufficiently downward (e.g., the first end 404 of the first elongated member 402 of the clamp 400 cannot be raised high enough to allow the locking member 56 to slide upward and back over the center divider 384 on the top flange portion 376 of the housing 302). To remove the electric vehicle locking device 300 from the first electric vehicle charging plug 50, the shackle 14 of the lock 10 can be disengaged from the main body 12 of the lock 10 and removed from the clamp support unit 350 of the housing 302 by passing the shackle 14 through the second hole 364b, the locking through-hole 436, and the first hole 364a, or vice versa. Once the locking member 10 is removed from the electric vehicle locking device 300, the platform portion 420 of the clamp 400 can be depressed, thereby moving the clamp 400 from the first clamp position to the second clamp position, in which the first and second support legs 464a, 464b are compressed and the first end 404 of the first elongated member 402 is raised. When the electric vehicle locking device 300 is slid away from the first electric vehicle charging plug 50 or is otherwise removed (e.g., the first flange 324 is removed from the first protrusion 64, the flange channel 328 is removed from the protruding ridge 62, and the second flange 326 is removed from the second protrusion 68), the locking member 56 of the first electric vehicle charging plug 50 can then move upward and over the center divider 384.

[0222] Figure 11 A partially exploded view of the lock 10 , a third embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device 500 , and a second electric vehicle (EV) charging port 20 ′ is depicted.

[0223] The second electric vehicle charging port 20' can be provided inside an electric vehicle (not shown), on an electric vehicle, or otherwise associated with an electric vehicle. In some embodiments, the second electric vehicle charging port 20' can be provided in the form of a J1772 socket.

[0224] The second electric vehicle charging port 20' can include a port housing 22' having a first protruding hole 26'. The first electric vehicle charging port 20' can include a locking mechanism 30' disposed above the first protruding hole 26'. The locking mechanism 30' can include a locking member 32' having an inner side 33'.

[0225] The second electric vehicle charging port 20' can further include a first protrusion 34' disposed within the first protrusion hole 26'. A first set of terminal receptacles 36' can be disposed within the first protrusion 34'.

[0226] The first protrusion 34' can be given a first protrusion shape. In some embodiments, the first protrusion shape can be a generally cylindrical shape with a generally circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the first protrusion 34' can be given other shapes, such as a rectangular or square shape, a triangular shape, a trapezoidal shape, a combination of shapes, or an irregular shape.

[0227] The first protrusion 34' can be assigned a set of dimensions (not shown). In some embodiments, the set of dimensions of the first protrusion 34' can include a diameter, a circumference, and / or a depth. In some embodiments, the diameter of the first protrusion 34' can be approximately 33.53 mm. In some embodiments, the circumference of the first protrusion 34' can be approximately 105.33 mm. In some embodiments, the depth of the first protrusion 34' can be approximately 31.75 mm.

[0228] The channel 44' can be disposed on the bottom region 45 of the first raised hole 26'. The channel 44' can be defined by a first channel side 46a', a second channel side 46b', and a channel bottom 48. In some embodiments, the channel 44' can be given a generally linear shape, although other shapes can also be used. The channel 44' can be given a set of dimensions (not shown). In some embodiments, the set of dimensions of the channel 44' can include width, height, and depth. For example, in some embodiments, the width of the channel 44' can be approximately 8.56 mm. In some embodiments, the height of the channel 44' can be approximately 4.3 mm. In some embodiments, the depth of the channel 44' can be approximately 31.75 mm.

[0229] The depth of the channel 44' can be the same as or different from the depth of the first protrusion 34'. In some embodiments, the depth of the channel 44' and the first protrusion 34' can be the same.

[0230] Steering Figures 12A-12D The third embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device 500 may include a housing 502. The housing 502 may be made of a polymer material (such as plastic), metal, or other suitable materials, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the housing 502 may be made of ABS polymer plastic. In some embodiments, the housing 502 may be formed using injection molding or a 3D printer.

[0231] The housing 502 may include a base 504 defined by a front side 506 and a back side 508. The base 504 may also have a top portion 510 and a bottom portion 512 opposite the top portion 510. In some embodiments, the top portion 510 terminates at a top edge 511. The base 504 may have an outer edge 514 that defines the shape of the base 504. In some embodiments, the shape of the base 504 may be generally square, rectangular, circular, oval, triangular, trapezoidal, etc. In some embodiments, the shape of the base 504 may be imparted with rounded edges, such as Figure 12A 、 12B Combinations of shapes and irregular shapes are also contemplated.

[0232] In some embodiments, the base 504 may be provided as Figure 12B and 12D , wherein the top portion 510 can be given a generally trapezoidal shape, while the bottom portion 512 can have a generally circular shape. The base 504 can be sized to have a top length 516 of the top portion 510 and a bottom length 518 of the bottom portion 512. In some embodiments, the length 516 of the top portion 510 can be less than the length of the bottom portion 512. In some embodiments, the length 516 of the top portion 510 can be 40.23 mm, or approximately 40.23 mm. In some embodiments, the length 518 of the bottom portion 512 can be 50 mm, or approximately 50 mm.

[0233] The base 504 can be assigned a base height 520. In some embodiments, the base height 520 can be 59 mm, or approximately 59 mm. The base 504 can also be assigned a base thickness (not shown). In some embodiments, the base thickness can be 3 mm, or approximately 3 mm.

[0234] The top portion 510 of the base 504 may be interrupted by a dimple 522 disposed in a central region of the top portion 510. The dimple 522 may extend downward from the top edge 511 and be defined by a first dimple side 523a, a second dimple side 523b, and a bottom dimple side 523c. In some embodiments, the dimple 522 may be given a "C" shape or a "U" shape, such as Figure 12B and 12D As shown in .

[0235] The front side 506 of the base 504 can include a first flange 524 protruding outwardly therefrom. In some embodiments, the first flange 524 can be disposed below the recess 522 of the top portion 510. The first flange 524 can have a top flange portion 525 and a bottom flange portion 527. A ridge 528 can extend downwardly from a central region of the bottom flange portion 527. The ridge 528 can extend along the entire length of the bottom flange portion 527, as shown in FIG. Figure 12C As shown in .

[0236] The first flange 524 can have a first flange wall 530 that is imparted with a first flange thickness. In some embodiments, the first flange thickness can be 2.5 mm, or approximately 2.5 mm.

[0237] The first flange wall 530 can define a first flange shape. The first flange shape can be any size and shape suitable for engaging with the first protrusion 34' when the electric vehicle locking device 500 is placed on or otherwise connected to the second electric vehicle charging port 20'. In some embodiments, the first flange shape can be the same or substantially the same as the shape of the first protrusion 34' of the second electric vehicle charging port 20'. In some embodiments, the first flange shape can be substantially cylindrical with a substantially circular cross-section.

[0238] The first flange 524 can be assigned a first set of dimensions. In some embodiments, the first set of dimensions of the first flange 524 can be complementary to a set of dimensions of the first protrusion 34' of the second electric vehicle charging port 20', such that the first flange 524 can be positioned over and engaged with the first protrusion 34'. In some cases, a friction fit between the first flange wall 530 and the first protrusion 34' can prevent the housing 502 from disengaging from the second electric vehicle charging port 20'.

[0239] In some embodiments, the first set of dimensions for the first flange 524 may include a first flange diameter 532 (see Figure 12B ), first flange circumference (not shown), and first flange depth 534 (see Figure 13C In some embodiments, the first flange diameter 532 can be equal to or greater than the diameter of the first protrusion 34 ′ of the second electric vehicle charging port 20 ′. For example, in some embodiments, the first flange diameter 532 can be 38 mm, or approximately 38 mm, and the first flange circumference can be 119.41 mm, or approximately 119.41 mm.

[0240] The first flange depth 534 can be the same as or different from the depth of the first protrusion 34' of the second electric vehicle charging port 20'. In some embodiments, the first flange depth 534 is the same as, approximately the same as, or less than the depth of the first protrusion 34' of the second electric vehicle charging port 20'. For example, in some embodiments, the first flange depth 534 can be 30 mm or approximately 30 mm.

[0241] The ridge 528 can be sized and shaped to engage the channel 44' of the second electric vehicle charging port 20'. In some embodiments, the ridge 528 can be shaped generally rectangular, although other shapes that can engage the channel 44' of the second electric vehicle charging port 20' can also be used.

[0242] The ridge 528 may be defined by a ridge width 544 (see Figure 12B ), ridge height 546, and ridge depth 548 (see Figure 12C ). The ridge width 544 can be equal to or less than the width of the channel 44' of the second electric vehicle charging port 20'. In some embodiments, the ridge width 544 can be 6.49 mm or approximately 6.49 mm. The ridge height 546 can be equal to or greater than the height of the channel 44' of the second electric vehicle charging port 20'. In some embodiments, the ridge height 546 can be 1.54 mm or approximately 1.54 mm.

[0243] The ridge depth 548 can be the same as or different from the depth of the channel 44' of the second electric vehicle charging port 20'. Furthermore, the ridge depth 548 can be the same as or different from the first flange depth 534. In some embodiments, the ridge depth 548 and the first flange depth 534 can be the same. In some embodiments, the ridge depth 548 can be 30 mm or approximately 30 mm.

[0244] The rear side 508 of the base 504 may include a jig support unit 550 protruding outward therefrom. The jig support unit 550 may be defined by a bottom support member 552, a first side 554a, and a second side 554b. In some embodiments, the first side 554a may be substantially parallel to the second side 554b. In some embodiments, the second side 554b may be a mirror image of the first side 554a.

[0245] The first side 554a can include a first side panel 556a having a first bottom end 558a and a first top end 560a. The first side panel 556a can be attached to the bottom support 552 at the first bottom end 558a.

[0246] The second side 554b can include a second side panel 556b having a second bottom end 558b and a second top end 560b. The second side panel 556b can be attached to the bottom support member 552 at the second bottom end 558b.

[0247] The bottom support member 552 may connect the first bottom end 558a of the first side panel 556a to the second bottom end 558b of the second side panel 556b. Figure 12D As shown in FIG, a gap 562 is formed between the first side plate 556a and the second side plate 556b.

[0248] A first hole 564a can be located in the first side panel 556a between the first top end 560a and the first bottom end 558a and extend completely through the first side panel 556a. A second hole 564b can also be located in the second side panel 556b between the second top end 560b and the second bottom end 558b and extend completely through the second side panel 556b. The second hole 564b can be located in the second side panel 556b at the same location as the first hole 564a in the first side panel 556a, such that the first and second holes 564a, 564b are substantially aligned. The first and second holes 564a, 564b can be of any size and shape suitable for passing through the shackle or shank of the locking element (e.g., shackle 14 of locking element 10). In some embodiments, the first and second holes 564a, 564b can be substantially oval in shape. In other embodiments, the first and second holes 564a, 564b can be substantially circular in shape.

[0249] The first side 554a can include a first clamp support 566a on the first top end 560a, and the second side 554b can include a second clamp support 566b on the second top end 560b. A first vertical support 568a can extend from the first clamp support 566a toward the top portion 510 of the housing 502, and a second vertical support 568b can extend from the second clamp support 566b toward the top portion 510 of the housing 502. In some embodiments, the first vertical support 568a and the second vertical support 568b can be mirror images of each other. The first and second vertical supports 568a, 568b can also be disposed on the rear side 508 of the housing 502 adjacent to the well 522, such that the first vertical support 568a is disposed adjacent to the first well side 523a of the well 522, and the second vertical support 568b is disposed adjacent to the second well side 523b of the well 522.

[0250] The clamp connector 570 can extend between the first top portion 572a of the first vertical support 568a and the first top portion 572b of the second vertical support 568b, thereby connecting the first vertical support 568a to the second vertical support 568b. The clamp connector 570 can also extend across the pit 522 so that an opening 574 is defined by the first pit side 523a, the second pit side 523b, the bottom pit side 523c, and the clamp connector 570. In some embodiments, the clamp connector 570 can be given a cylindrical or rod-like shape.

[0251] The clamp support unit 550 can be designed to engage with one or more embodiments of the clamps disclosed herein (e.g., 200, 400, 800, 1000). In some embodiments, the first and second clamp supports 566a, 566b can be designed to engage with or otherwise communicate with the first and second support legs (e.g., 222a, 222b), respectively, of a clamp (e.g., 200). The clamp connector 570 can be designed to engage with a coupling member (e.g., 216) of the clamp so that the coupling member can rotate about the clamp connector 570 to raise and / or lower the first end (e.g., 204) of the first elongated member (e.g., 202) of the clamp. Additionally, the gap 562 provided between the first and second side plates 556a, 556b of the clamp support unit 550 can be designed to allow the second elongated member (e.g., 228) of the clamp to move generally upward or downward between the first and second side plates 556a, 556b. In addition, the first and second holes 564a, 564b of the clamp support unit 550 can be designed to be roughly aligned with the locking through hole (e.g., 236) of the clamp so that the shackle of the locking member (e.g., shackle 14 of the locking member 10) can pass through the housing 502 and clamp and secure it to the electric vehicle charging port (e.g., 20') or the electric vehicle charging plug.

[0252] The third embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device 500 may include a clamp 200 designed to be used therewith. Figures 13A-13C , the clamp 200 can be attached to or otherwise engaged with the housing 502. When in the first clamp position, the clamp 200 can be placed on the housing 502 so that the coupling member 216, the bottom side 210 of the first elongated member 202, and / or the protrusion 218 of the clamp 200 can engage with the clamp connector 570 of the housing 502, as shown. Figure 13C When in the first clamp position, the clamp connector 570 can be seated within the recessed corner 217 and the coupling member 216 can extend through the opening 574 of the housing 502, as shown. Figure 13C. In addition, when in the first clamp position, the first support leg 222a can engage with the first clamp support 566a of the clamp support unit 550, and the second support leg 222b can engage with the second clamp support 566b of the clamp support unit 550. The first elongated member 202 of the clamp 200 can extend above the top flange portion 525 of the first flange 524. The second elongated member 228 can be disposed in the gap 562 between the first side 554a and the second side 554b of the clamp support unit 550, as shown. Figure 13B Further, when in the first clamp position, the locking through-hole 236 of the clamp 200 may be substantially aligned with the first hole 564a of the first side 554a and the second hole 564b of the second side 554b of the clamp support unit 550.

[0253] As described above, when in the first clamp position, the first and second support legs 222a, 222b can engage the first and second clamp supports 566a, 566b, respectively. Furthermore, when in the first clamp position, the locking through-hole 236 of the second elongated member 228 of the clamp 200 can be substantially aligned with the first hole 564a on the first side 554a and the second hole 564b on the second side 554b of the clamp support unit 550 of the housing 502.

[0254] When the electric vehicle locking device 500 is being placed on or removed from the second electric vehicle charging port 20', the clamp 200 can be moved to a second clamp position (not shown). When moving to the second clamp position, the first end 204 of the first elongated member 202 can move in a generally upward direction. In some embodiments, the clamp 200 can be moved to the second clamp position in response to the platform portion 220 being pressed downward, causing the first and second support legs 222a, 222b to compress (e.g., the angle between the platform portion 220 and one or more of the first and second support legs 222a, 222b decreases). In other embodiments, the clamp 200 can be moved to the second clamp position in response to the hook portion 212 of the first elongated member 202 engaging the locking mechanism 30' of the second electric vehicle charging port 20'. In the second clamp position, the first end 204 of the first elongated member 202 can be raised upward, allowing the hook portion 212 to slide over the locking member 32' of the locking mechanism 30' of the second electric vehicle charging port 20'. When the first end 204 of the first elongated member 202 is raised upward, the coupling member 216 and the protrusion 218 can move or rotate in a first direction about the clamp connector 570 of the housing 502. In some embodiments, when the first end 204 of the first elongated member 202 is raised upward, the second elongated member 228 can move in a generally downward direction to reduce the space 235 between the bottom end of the second elongated member 228 and the bottom support 552 of the clamp support unit 550. In some embodiments, when the second elongated member 228 is moved in a generally downward direction, the locking through-hole 236 of the second elongated member 228 may become misaligned with the first hole 564a and the second hole 564b of the clamp support unit 550.

[0255] If the electric vehicle locking device 500 is being placed on the second electric vehicle charging port 20', the clamp 200 can be moved from the first clamping position to the second clamping position. When the clamp 200 moves from the first clamping position toward the second clamping position, the housing 502 can engage with the second electric vehicle charging port 20'. In some embodiments, the first flange 524 of the housing 502 can engage with the first protrusion 34' of the second electric vehicle charging port 20' so that the first flange 524 surrounds all or a portion of the first protrusion 34', and the ridge 528 can engage with the channel 44' of the second electric vehicle charging port 20' so that the ridge 528 slides through the channel 44'.

[0256] After moving to the second clamp position in response to the platform portion 220 being depressed, the clamp 200 can move back to the first clamp position when the platform portion 220 is released. When the clamp 200 moves back to the first clamp position, the first end 204 of the first elongated member 202 can lower, and the coupling member 216 and the protrusion 218 can move or rotate about the clamp connector 570 of the housing 502 in a direction opposite to the first direction. Additionally, when the clamp 200 moves back to the first clamp position, the second elongated member 228 can move in a generally upward direction as the first and second support legs 222a, 222b are decompressed (e.g., the angle between the platform portion 220 and one or more of the first and second support legs 222a, 222b increases). If the electric vehicle locking device 500 has already been placed on the second electric vehicle charging port 20', when the clamp 200 returns to the first clamp position, the hook portion 212 can be disposed on the inner side 33' of the locking member 32'. In addition, when the clamp 200 moves back to the first clamp position, the first hole 564a of the clamp support unit 550, the locking through hole 236 of the second slender member 228, and the second hole 564b of the clamp support unit 550 can be roughly aligned so that the shackle 14 of the locking piece 10 can pass through the first hole 564a, the locking through hole 236, and the second hole 564b, and vice versa. The shackle 14 can then be securely attached to the body 12 of the locking piece 10, thereby placing the electric vehicle locking device 500 in a position such as Figure 14 in the locked position shown in .

[0257] When in the locked position, the clamp 200 cannot be fully moved to the second clamp position (e.g., the hook portion 212 cannot be raised high enough to slide back over the locking member 32' of the second electric vehicle charging port 20') because the shackle 14 prevents the second elongated member 228 of the clamp 200 from moving fully downward. To remove the electric vehicle locking device 500 from the second electric vehicle charging port 20', the shackle 14 of the lock 10 can be disengaged from the body 12 of the lock 10 and removed from the clamp support unit 550 of the housing 502 by passing the shackle 14 through the second hole 564b, the locking through-hole 236, and the first hole 564a, or vice versa. Once the lock 10 is removed from the electric vehicle locking device 500, the platform portion 220 of the clamp 200 can be depressed, thereby moving the clamp 200 from the first clamp position to the second clamp position, in which the first and second support legs 222a, 222b are compressed and the hook portion 212 is raised. When the electric vehicle locking device 500 is slid away from the second electric vehicle charging port 20 ′ or otherwise removed (eg, the first flange 524 is removed from the first protrusion 34 ′ and the ridge 528 is removed from the channel 44 ′), the hook portion 212 can then move over and away from the locking member 32 ′.

[0258] Figure 15 A partially exploded view of a fourth embodiment of the locking member 10 , an electric vehicle locking device 600 , and a second electric vehicle (EV) charging plug 50 ′ is depicted.

[0259] The second electric vehicle charging plug 50 ′ may be attached to an electric vehicle charging station (not shown). In some embodiments, the second electric vehicle charging plug 50 ′ may be provided in the form of a J1772 plug.

[0260] The second electric vehicle charging plug 50' may include a plug housing 52' having a locking mechanism 54' disposed on a front side 55' thereof and protruding outward therefrom. The locking mechanism 54' may include a locking member 56', and in some embodiments, the locking member 56' may be provided in the form of a hook. The second electric vehicle charging plug 50' may also include a lock release button 58' on a rear side 60' of the plug housing 52'. In some embodiments, the lock release button 58' may be used to release or otherwise disengage the locking mechanism 54' and the locking member 56' so that the electric vehicle locking device 600 can be removed from the second electric vehicle charging plug 50'.

[0261] The second electric vehicle charging plug 50' can include a first protrusion 64' disposed on the front side 55' of the plug housing 52'. A first set of terminals 66' can be disposed within the first protrusion 64'.

[0262] The first protrusion 64' can be given a first protrusion shape. In some embodiments, the first protrusion shape can be generally cylindrical with a generally circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the first protrusion 64' can be given other shapes, such as rectangular or square shapes, triangular shapes, trapezoidal shapes, or the like, combinations of shapes, or irregular shapes. In some embodiments, the first protrusion 64' can be given an inclined front side (not shown), wherein the top portion of the first protrusion 64' has a first depth and the bottom portion of the first protrusion 64' has a second or maximum depth that is greater than the first depth (e.g., the depth of the protrusion is uneven along its surface).

[0263] The first protrusion 64' can be assigned a set of dimensions (not shown). In some embodiments, the set of dimensions of the first protrusion 64' can include a diameter, a circumference, and / or a maximum depth. In some embodiments, the diameter of the first protrusion 64' can be approximately 43.8 mm. In some embodiments, the circumference of the first protrusion 64' can be approximately 137.6 mm. In some embodiments, the maximum depth of the first protrusion 64 can be approximately 33.58 mm.

[0264] The raised ridge 62' can be positioned below the first protrusion 64'. The raised ridge 62' can be given a generally rectangular shape, although other shapes can be used. The raised ridge 62' can be given a set of dimensions (not shown). In some embodiments, the set of dimensions of the raised ridge 62' can include a width, a height, and a depth. For example, the width of the raised ridge 62' can be approximately 8 mm. In some embodiments, the height of the raised ridge 62' can be approximately 2.69 mm. In some embodiments, the depth of the raised ridge 62' can be approximately 33.58 mm.

[0265] The depth of the protrusion ridge 62' can be the same as or different from the maximum depth of the first protrusion 64'. In some embodiments, the depth of the protrusion ridge 62' and the maximum depth of the first protrusion 64' can be the same.

[0266] Steering Figures 16A-16D The fourth embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device 600 may include a housing 602. The housing 602 may be made of a polymer material (such as plastic), metal, or other suitable materials, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the housing 602 may be made of ABS polymer plastic. In some embodiments, the housing 602 may be formed using injection molding or a 3D printer.

[0267] The housing 602 may include a base 604 defined by a front side 606 and a back side 608. The base 604 may also have a top portion 610 and a bottom portion 612 opposite the top portion 610. The base 604 may have an outer edge 614 that defines the shape of the base 604. In some embodiments, the shape of the base 604 may be substantially square, rectangular, circular, oval, triangular, trapezoidal, etc. In some embodiments, the shape of the base 604 may be given a rounded edge, such as Figure 16A 、 16B Combinations of shapes and irregular shapes are also contemplated.

[0268] In some embodiments, the base 604 may be given a generally circular shape, such as Figure 16B and 16D In some embodiments, the base 604 can be given a base diameter (or width) 616. In some embodiments, the base diameter (or width) 616 can be 51 mm, or approximately 51 mm.

[0269] The base 604 can be assigned a base height 620. In some embodiments, the base height 620 can be 51 mm, or approximately 51 mm. The base 604 can also be assigned a base thickness (not shown). In some embodiments, the base thickness can be 3 mm, or approximately 3 mm.

[0270] The front side 606 of the base 604 can include a first flange 624 protruding outwardly therefrom. The first flange 624 can have a top flange portion 625 and a bottom flange portion 627. A flange channel 628 can be disposed in a central region of the bottom flange portion 627. In some embodiments, the flange channel 628 can extend along the entire length of the bottom flange portion 627.

[0271] The first flange 624 can have a first flange wall 630 that is imparted with a first flange thickness. In some embodiments, the first flange thickness can be 2.4 mm, or approximately 2.4 mm.

[0272] The first flange wall 630 can define a first flange shape. The first flange shape can be any size and shape suitable for engaging with the first protrusion 64' when the electric vehicle locking device 600 is placed on or otherwise connected to the second electric vehicle charging plug 50'. In some embodiments, the first flange shape can be the same or substantially the same as the shape of the first protrusion 64' of the second electric vehicle charging plug 50'. In some embodiments, the first flange shape can be substantially cylindrical with a substantially circular cross-section.

[0273] The first flange 624 can be assigned a first set of dimensions. In some embodiments, the first set of dimensions of the first flange 624 can be complementary to a set of dimensions of the first protrusion 64' of the second electric vehicle charging plug 50', such that the first flange 624 can be positioned over and mated to the first protrusion 64'. In some cases, a friction fit between the first flange wall 630 and the first protrusion 64' can prevent the housing 602 from disengaging from the second electric vehicle charging plug 50'.

[0274] In some embodiments, the first set of dimensions for the first flange 624 may include a first flange diameter 632 (see Figure 16B ), first flange circumference (not shown), and first flange depth 634 (see Figure 17C In some embodiments, the first flange diameter 632 can be equal to or greater than the diameter of the first protrusion 64 ′ of the second electric vehicle charging plug 50 ′. For example, in some embodiments, the first flange diameter 632 can be 45 mm, or approximately 45 mm, and the first flange circumference can be 141.37 mm, or approximately 141.37 mm.

[0275] The first flange depth 634 can be the same as or different from the maximum depth of the first protrusion 64' of the second electric vehicle charging plug 50'. In some embodiments, the first flange depth 634 is the same as, approximately the same as, or greater than the maximum depth of the first protrusion 64' of the second electric vehicle charging plug 50'. For example, in some embodiments, the first flange depth 634 can be 34 mm or approximately 34 mm.

[0276] The flange channel 628 can be sized and shaped to engage the raised ridge 62' of the second electric vehicle charging plug 50'. In some embodiments, the flange channel 628 can be shaped substantially linearly, although other shapes that can engage the raised ridge 62' of the second electric vehicle charging plug 50' can be used.

[0277] The flange channel 628 may be assigned a flange channel width 644 (see Figure 16B ), flange channel height 646, and flange channel depth 648 (see Figure 17C ). The flange channel width 644 can be equal to or greater than the width of the raised ridge 62' of the second electric vehicle charging plug 50'. In some embodiments, the flange channel width 644 can be 9.58 mm or approximately 9.58 mm. The flange channel height 646 can be equal to or greater than the height of the raised ridge 62' of the second electric vehicle charging plug 50'. In some embodiments, the flange channel height 646 can be 2.4 mm or approximately 2.4 mm.

[0278] The flange channel depth 648 can be the same as or different from the depth of the raised ridge 62' of the second electric vehicle charging plug 50'. Furthermore, the flange channel depth 648 can be the same as or different from the first flange depth 634. In some embodiments, the flange channel depth 648 and the first flange depth 634 can be the same. In some embodiments, the flange channel depth 648 can be 34 mm, or approximately 34 mm.

[0279] The rear side 608 of the base 604 may include a jig support unit 650 protruding outward therefrom. The jig support unit 650 may be defined by a bottom support member 652, a first side 654a, and a second side 654b. In some embodiments, the first side 654a may be substantially parallel to the second side 654b. In some embodiments, the second side 654b may be a mirror image of the first side 654a.

[0280] The first side 654a can include a first side panel 656a having a first bottom end 658a and a first top end 660a. The first side panel 656a can be attached to the bottom support 652 at the first bottom end 658a.

[0281] The second side 654b can include a second side panel 656b having a second bottom end 658b and a second top end 660b. The second side panel 656b can be attached to the bottom support 652 at the second bottom end 658b.

[0282] The bottom support member 652 may connect the first bottom end 658a of the first side panel 656a to the second bottom end 658b of the second side panel 656b. Figure 16D As shown in FIG, a gap 662 is formed between the first side plate 656a and the second side plate 656b.

[0283] A first hole 664a can be located in the first side panel 656a between the first top end 660a and the first bottom end 658a and extend completely through the first side panel 656a. A second hole 664b can also be located in the second side panel 656b between the second top end 660b and the second bottom end 658b and extend completely through the second side panel 656b. The second hole 664b can be located in the second side panel 656b at the same location as the first hole 664a in the first side panel 656a, so that the first and second holes 664a and 664b are substantially aligned. The first and second holes 664a and 664b can be of any size and shape suitable for passing a shackle or shank of a locking element (e.g., shackle 14 of locking element 10). In some embodiments, the first and second holes 664a and 664b can be substantially oval in shape. In other embodiments, the first and second holes 664a and 664b can be substantially circular in shape.

[0284] The first side 654a can further include a first clamp support 666a on the first top end 660a, and the second side 654b can include a second clamp support 666b on the second top end 660b. A first vertical support 668a can extend upward from the first clamp support 666a and extend beyond the top portion 610 of the base 604. A second vertical support 668b can extend upward from the second clamp support 666b and extend beyond the top portion 610 of the base 604. In some embodiments, the first vertical support 668a and the second vertical support 668b can be mirror images of each other.

[0285] The clamp connector 670 can extend between the first top portion 672a of the first vertical support 668a and the first top portion 672b of the second vertical support 668b, thereby connecting the first vertical support 668a to the second vertical support 668b. The clamp connector 670 can also extend from the first vertical support 668a to the second vertical support 668b so that an opening 674 is defined by the first vertical support 668a, the second vertical support 668b, the top flange portion 625 of the first flange 624, and the clamp connector 670. In some embodiments, the clamp connector 670 can be given a cylindrical or rod-like shape.

[0286] The first front portion 678a of the first vertical support 668a can be connected or attached to the top flange portion 625 of the first flange 624. The second front portion 678b of the second vertical support 668a can be connected or attached to the top flange portion 625 of the first flange 624. Extending outward from the first front portion 678a of the first vertical support 668a can be a first guide rail 680a, and extending outward from the second front portion 678b of the second vertical support 668b can be a second guide rail 680b. In some embodiments, the first and second guide rails 680a, 680b can extend along the entire length of the top flange portion 625 of the first flange 624. In some embodiments, the first and second guide rails 680a, 680b can be arranged to be substantially parallel to each other and can be mirror images of each other.

[0287] The first guide rail 680a can have a first center portion 682a, and the second guide rail 680b can have a second center portion 682b. In some embodiments, a center divider 684 can extend from the first center portion 682a of the first guide rail 680a to the second center portion 682b of the second guide rail 680b, thereby connecting the first guide rail 680a to the second guide rail 680b. The center divider 684 can also be connected or attached to the top flange portion 625 of the first flange 624 on the bottom side of the center divider 684. The center divider 684 can have a Figure 16A and 17C The inner side 685 is shown in FIG.

[0288] The clamp support unit 650 can be designed to interface with one or more embodiments of the clamps disclosed herein (e.g., 200, 400, 800, 1000). In some embodiments, the first and second clamp supports 666a, 666b can be designed to interface with or otherwise communicate with the first and second support legs (e.g., 422a, 422b), respectively, of a clamp (e.g., 400). The clamp connector 670 can be designed to interface with a coupling member (e.g., 416) of the clamp so that the coupling member can rotate about the clamp connector 670 to raise and / or lower the first end (e.g., 404) of the first elongated member (e.g., 402) of the clamp. Additionally, a gap 662 provided between the first and second side plates 656a, 656b of the clamp support unit 650 can be designed to allow the second elongated member (e.g., 428) of the clamp to move generally upward or downward between the first and second side plates 656a, 656b. The first and second guide rails 680a, 680b can be designed to engage or otherwise communicate with the first and second guide members (e.g., 412a, 412b) of the clamp, respectively. Furthermore, the first and second holes 664a, 664b of the clamp support unit 650 can be designed to be substantially aligned with the locking through-hole (e.g., 436) of the clamp, so that the shackle of the locking member (e.g., shackle 14 of the locking member 10) can pass through the housing 602 and clamp and secure it to the electric vehicle charging port or electric vehicle charging plug (e.g., 50').

[0289] The fourth embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device 600 may include a clamp 400 designed to be used therewith. Figures 17A-17C As shown in FIG, the clamp 400 can be attached to or otherwise engaged with the housing 602. When in the first clamp position, the clamp 400 can be placed on the housing 602 so that the coupling member 416, the bottom side 410 of the first elongated member 402, and / or the protrusion 418 of the clamp 400 can engage with the clamp connector 670 of the housing 602, as shown. Figure 17CWhen in the first clamp position, the clamp connector 670 can be seated within the recessed corner 417 and the coupling member 416 can extend through the opening 674 of the housing 602, as shown. Figure 17C . In addition, when in the first clamp position, the first support leg 422a can be engaged with the first clamp support 666a of the clamp support unit 650, and the second support leg 422b can be engaged with the second clamp support 666b of the clamp support unit 650. The first elongated member 402 of the clamp 400 can extend above the top flange portion 625 of the first flange 624. The second elongated member 428 can be disposed in the gap 662 between the first side 654a and the second side 654b of the clamp support unit 650, as shown. Figure 17B Further, when in the first clamp position, the locking through-hole 436 of the clamp 400 may be substantially aligned with the first hole 664a of the first side 654a and the second hole 664b of the second side 654b of the clamp support unit 650.

[0290] When in the first clamp position, the first guide member 412a of the clamp 400 can be disposed on the outside of the first guide rail 680a on the top flange portion 625 of the first flange 624 of the housing 602. Additionally, the second guide member 412b of the clamp 400 can be disposed on the outside of the second guide rail 680b on the top flange portion 625 of the first flange 624 of the housing 602. In some embodiments, the first and second guide members 412a, 412b can be designed to be in the first clamp position. Figure 18 The locking mechanism 54 ′ prevents access to the second electric vehicle charging plug 50 ′ when in the locked position shown in FIG.

[0291] As described above, when in the first clamp position, the first and second support legs 422a, 422b can engage with the first and second clamp supports 666a, 666b, respectively. Additionally, when in the first clamp position, the locking through-hole 436 of the second elongated member 428 of the clamp 400 can be substantially aligned with the first hole 664a on the first side 654a and the second hole 664b on the second side 654b of the clamp support unit 650 of the housing 602. Furthermore, when in the first clamp position, the first and second guide members 412a, 412b can be disposed on the outer sides of the first and second guide rails 680a, 680b, respectively.

[0292] When the electric vehicle locking device 400 is being placed on or removed from the second electric vehicle charging plug 50', the clamp 400 can be moved to a second clamping position (not shown). When moving to the second clamping position, the first end 404 of the first elongated member 402 can move in a generally upward direction. In some embodiments, the clamp 400 can be moved to the second clamping position in response to the platform portion 420 being pressed downward, causing the first and second support legs 422a, 422b to compress (e.g., the angle between the platform portion 420 and one or more of the first and second support legs 422a, 422b to decrease). In some embodiments, the clamp 400 can be moved to the second clamping position in response to the raised member 413 of the first end 404 of the first elongated member 402 engaging the locking mechanism 54' of the second electric vehicle charging plug 50'. In other embodiments, the clamp 400 can be moved to a second clamp position in response to the locking member 56' of the second electric vehicle charging plug 50' engaging the center divider 684 between the first and second guide rails 680a, 680b provided on the top flange portion 625. In the second clamp position, the first end 404 of the first elongated member 402 can be raised to slide the locking member 56' upward and over the center divider 684 between the first and second guide rails 680a, 680b provided on the top flange portion 625 of the housing 602. When the first end 404 of the first elongated member 402 is raised upward, the connecting member 416 and the protrusion 418 can move or rotate in a first direction about the clamp connector 670 of the housing 602. In some embodiments, when the first end 404 of the first elongated member 402 is raised upward, the second elongated member 428 may move in a generally downward direction, such that the space 435 between the bottom end of the second elongated member 428 and the bottom support 652 of the clamp support unit 650 decreases. In some embodiments, when the second elongated member 428 is moved in the generally downward direction, the locking through-hole 436 of the second elongated member 428 may become misaligned with the first hole 664a and the second hole 664b of the clamp support unit 650.

[0293] If the electric vehicle locking device 600 is being placed on the second electric vehicle charging plug 50', the clamp 400 can be moved from the first clamping position to the second clamping position. When the clamp 400 moves from the first clamping position to the second clamping position, the housing 602 can engage with the second electric vehicle charging plug 50'. In some embodiments, the first flange 624 of the housing 602 can engage with the first protrusion 64' of the second electric vehicle charging plug 50' so that the first flange 624 surrounds all or a portion of the first protrusion 64', and the flange channel 628 can engage with the protruding ridge 62' of the second electric vehicle charging plug 50' so that the protruding ridge 62' slides through the flange channel 628.

[0294] After moving to the second clamp position in response to the platform portion 420 being depressed, the clamp 400 can move back to the first clamp position when the platform portion 420 is released. When the clamp 400 moves back to the first clamp position, the first end 404 of the first elongated member 402 can lower, and the coupling member 416 and the protrusion 418 can move or rotate about the clamp connector 670 of the housing 602 in a direction opposite to the first direction. Additionally, when the clamp 400 moves back to the first clamp position, the second elongated member 428 can move in a generally upward direction as the first and second support legs 422a, 422b are decompressed (e.g., the angle between the platform portion 420 and one or more of the first and second support legs 422a, 422b increases). If the electric vehicle locking device 600 has already been placed on the second electric vehicle charging plug 50', when the clamp 400 returns to the first clamp position, the locking member 56' can be disposed on the inner side 685 of the center divider 684. In addition, when the clamp 400 moves back to the first clamp position, the first hole 664a of the clamp support unit 650, the locking through hole 436 of the second slender member 428, and the second hole 664b of the clamp support unit 650 can be roughly aligned so that the shackle 14 of the locking member 10 can pass through the first hole 664a, the locking through hole 436, and the second hole 664b, and vice versa. The shackle 14 can then be securely attached to the body 12 of the locking member 10, thereby placing the electric vehicle locking device 600 in a position such as Figure 18 in the locked position shown in .

[0295] When in the locked position, the clamp 400 cannot be fully moved to the second clamp position because the shackle 14 prevents the second elongated member 428 of the clamp 400 from moving sufficiently downward (e.g., the first end 404 of the first elongated member 402 of the clamp 400 cannot be raised high enough to allow the locking member 56' to slide upward and back over the center divider 684 on the top flange portion 625 of the housing 602). To remove the electric vehicle locking device 600 from the second electric vehicle charging plug 50', the shackle 14 of the lock 10 can be disengaged from the main body 12 of the lock 10 and removed from the clamp support unit 650 of the housing 602 by passing the shackle 14 through the second hole 664b, the locking through-hole 436, and the first hole 664a, or vice versa. Once the locking member 10 is removed from the electric vehicle locking device 600, the platform portion 420 of the clamp 400 can be depressed, thereby moving the clamp 400 from the first clamp position to the second clamp position, in which the first and second support legs 464a, 464b are compressed and the first end 404 of the first elongated member 402 is raised. When the electric vehicle locking device 600 is slid away from the second electric vehicle charging plug 50' or otherwise removed (e.g., the first flange 624 is removed from the first protrusion 64' and the flange channel 628 is removed from the protruding ridge 62'), the locking member 56' of the second electric vehicle charging plug 50' can then move upward and over the center divider 684.

[0296] Figure 19 A partially exploded view of a locking member 10 , a fifth embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device 700 , and a third electric vehicle (EV) charging plug 50 ″ is depicted.

[0297] The third electric vehicle charging plug 50 ″ may be attached to an electric vehicle charging station (not shown). In some embodiments, the third electric vehicle charging plug 50 ″ may be provided in the form of a combined charging system (CCS) type 2 charging plug.

[0298] The third electric vehicle charging plug 50 ″ may include a plug housing 52 ″ having a front side 55 ″. A first protrusion 64 ″ may extend from the front side 55 ″ of the plug housing 52 ″. The first protrusion 64 ″ may have an inner wall 63 .

[0299] The third electric vehicle charging plug 50 ″ may include a locking mechanism 54 ″ disposed on a top side 65 of a first protrusion 64 ″. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 54 ″ may include a top opening 53 . A first set of terminals 66 ″ may be disposed within the first protrusion 64 ″.

[0300] The first protrusion 64" can be given a first protrusion shape. In some embodiments, the first protrusion shape can be generally cylindrical with a partially flat top. The first protrusion shape can be given a generally circular cross-section, wherein the circular cross-section is partially flattened at the top. In other embodiments, the first protrusion 64" can be given other shapes, such as a rectangular or square shape, a triangular shape, a trapezoidal shape, or the like, a combination of shapes, or an irregular shape.

[0301] The first protrusion 64" may be assigned a set of dimensions (not shown). In some embodiments, the set of dimensions of the first protrusion 64" may include width, height, and / or depth. In some embodiments, the width of the first protrusion 64" may be approximately 63 mm. In some embodiments, the height of the first protrusion 64" may be approximately 56 mm. In some embodiments, the depth of the first protrusion 64" may be approximately 34.5 mm.

[0302] Steering Figures 20A-20D The fifth embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device 700 may include a housing 702. The housing 702 may be made of a polymer material (such as plastic), metal, or other suitable materials, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the housing 702 may be made of ABS polymer plastic. In some embodiments, the housing 702 may be formed using injection molding or a 3D printer.

[0303] The housing 702 can include a base 704 defined by a front side 706 and a back side 708. The base 704 can also have a top portion 710 and a bottom portion 712 opposite the top portion 710. In some embodiments, the top portion 710 terminates at a top edge 711. The base 704 can have an outer edge 714 that defines the shape of the base 704. In some embodiments, the shape of the base 704 can be generally square, rectangular, circular, oval, triangular, trapezoidal, etc. In some embodiments, the shape of the base 704 can be given a rounded edge, such as Figure 20A 、 20B Combinations of shapes and irregular shapes are also contemplated.

[0304] In some embodiments, the base 704 may be imparted with a generally circular shape having a flat top portion 710 and a rounded bottom portion 712, as shown. Figure 20B and 20D In some embodiments, the base can be given a base diameter (or width) 718. In some embodiments, the base diameter (or width) 718 can be 58 mm, or approximately 58 mm.

[0305] The base 704 can be assigned a base height 720. In some embodiments, the base height 720 can be 50 mm, or approximately 50 mm. The base 704 can also be assigned a base thickness (not shown). In some embodiments, the base thickness can be 3 mm, or approximately 3 mm.

[0306] The front side 706 of the base 704 can include a first flange 724 protruding outward therefrom. The first flange 724 can have a top flange portion 725 and a bottom flange portion 727. The first flange 724 can also have a first flange wall 730 that is given a first flange thickness. In some embodiments, the first flange thickness can be 1.5 mm, or approximately 1.5 mm.

[0307] The first flange wall 730 can define a first flange shape. The first flange shape can be any size and shape that is suitable for engaging with the first protrusion 64″ when the electric vehicle locking device 700 is placed on or otherwise connected to the third electric vehicle charging plug 50″. In some embodiments, the first flange shape can be the same or substantially the same as the shape of the first protrusion 64″ of the third electric vehicle charging plug 50″. In some embodiments, the first flange shape can be generally cylindrical with a flat top flange portion 725. In some embodiments, the first flange shape can be imparted with a generally circular cross-section, wherein the circular cross-section has a partially flattened top flange portion 725, such as Figure 20B As shown in .

[0308] The first flange 724 can be provided with a first set of dimensions. In some embodiments, the first set of dimensions of the first flange 724 can be complementary to the set of dimensions of the first protrusion 64 ″, so that the first flange 724 can be placed into and fit within the first protrusion 64 ″. In some cases, the friction fit between the first flange wall 730 and the inner wall 63 of the first protrusion 64 ″ can prevent the housing 702 from disengaging from the third electric vehicle charging plug 50 ″.

[0309] In some embodiments, the first set of dimensions of the first flange 724 may include a first flange width 732, a first flange height 733 (see Figure 20B ), and the first flange depth 734 (see Figure 22C In some embodiments, the first flange width 732 may be equal to or less than the width of the first protrusion 64 ″ of the third electric vehicle charging plug 50 ″. For example, in some embodiments, the first flange width 732 may be 48 mm, or approximately 48 mm.

[0310] In some embodiments, the first flange height 733 may be equal to or less than the height of the first protrusion 64 ″ of the third electric vehicle charging plug 50 ″. For example, in some embodiments, the first flange height 733 may be 40.51 mm, or approximately 40.51 mm.

[0311] The first flange depth 734 can be the same as or different from the depth of the first protrusion 64 ″ of the third electric vehicle charging plug 50 ″. In some embodiments, the first flange depth 734 is the same as, approximately the same as, or less than the depth of the first protrusion 64 ″ of the third electric vehicle charging plug 50 ″. For example, in some embodiments, the first flange depth 734 can be 30 mm, or approximately 30 mm.

[0312] The rear side 708 of the base 704 may include a jig support unit 750 protruding outward therefrom. The jig support unit 750 may be defined by a bottom support member 752, a first side 754a, and a second side 754b. In some embodiments, the first side 754a may be substantially parallel to the second side 754b. In some embodiments, the second side 754b may be a mirror image of the first side 754a.

[0313] The first side 754a can include a first side panel 756a having a first bottom end 758a and a first top end 760a. The first side panel 756a can be attached to the bottom support 752 at the first bottom end 758a.

[0314] The second side 754b can include a second side panel 756b having a second bottom end 758b and a second top end 760b. The second side panel 756b can be attached to the bottom support member 752 at the second bottom end 758b.

[0315] The bottom support member 752 may connect the first bottom end 758a of the first side panel 756a to the second bottom end 758b of the second side panel 756b. Figure 20D As shown in FIG, a gap 762 is formed between the first side plate 756a and the second side plate 756b.

[0316] A first hole 764a can be positioned in the first side panel 756a between the first top end 760a and the first bottom end 758a and extend completely through the first side panel 756a. A second hole 764b can also be positioned in the second side panel 756b between the second top end 760b and the second bottom end 758b and extend completely through the second side panel 756b. The second hole 764b can be positioned in the second side panel 756b at the same location as the first hole 764a in the first side panel 756a, such that the first and second holes 764a and 764b are substantially aligned. The first and second holes 764a and 764b can be of any size and shape suitable for passing a shackle or shank of a locking element (e.g., shackle 14 of locking element 10). In some embodiments, the first and second holes 764a and 764b can be substantially oval in shape. In other embodiments, the first and second holes 764a and 764b can be substantially circular in shape.

[0317] The first side 754a can further include a first clamp support 766a on the first top end 760a, and the second side 754b can include a second clamp support 766b on the second top end 760b. A first vertical support 768a can extend upward from the first clamp support 766a and extend beyond the top edge 711 of the top portion 710 of the base 704. A second vertical support 768b can extend upward from the second clamp support 766b and extend beyond the top edge 711 of the top portion 710 of the base 704. In some embodiments, the first vertical support 768a and the second vertical support 768b can be mirror images of each other.

[0318] The clamp connector 770 can extend between the first top portion 772a of the first vertical support 768a and the first top portion 772b of the second vertical support 768b, thereby connecting the first vertical support 768a to the second vertical support 768b. The clamp connector 770 can also extend from the first vertical support 768a to the second vertical support 768b, such that an opening 774 is defined by the first vertical support 768a, the second vertical support 768b, the top edge 711 of the base 704, and the clamp connector 770. In some embodiments, the clamp connector 770 can be given a cylindrical or rod-like shape.

[0319] The clamp support unit 750 can be designed to engage with one or more embodiments of the clamps disclosed herein (e.g., 200, 400, 800, 1000). In some embodiments, the first and second clamp supports 766a, 766b can be designed to engage or otherwise communicate with the first and second support legs (e.g., 822a, 822b), respectively, of a clamp (e.g., 800). The clamp connector 770 can be designed to engage with a coupling member (e.g., 816) of the clamp so that the coupling member can rotate about the clamp connector 770 to raise and / or lower the first end (e.g., 804) of the first elongated member (e.g., 802) of the clamp. Additionally, the gap 762 provided between the first and second side plates 756a, 756b of the clamp support unit 750 can be designed to allow the second elongated member (e.g., 828) of the clamp to move generally upward or downward between the first and second side plates 756a, 756b. In addition, the first and second holes 764a, 764b of the clamp support unit 750 can be designed to be roughly aligned with the locking through hole (e.g., 836) of the clamp so that the shackle of the locking member (e.g., shackle 14 of the locking member 10) can pass through the housing 702 and clamp and secure it to the electric vehicle charging port or electric vehicle charging plug (e.g., 50'').

[0320] The fifth embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device 700 may include the third embodiment of the clamp 800 designed for use therewith. The clamp 800 may be made of a polymer material (such as plastic), metal, or other suitable materials, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the clamp 800 may be made of polypropylene. In some embodiments, the clamp 800 may be formed using injection molding or a 3D printer.

[0321] like Figure 21A and 21B , a clamp 800 can be provided in the form of a body having a first elongated member 802 defining a first end 804 and a second end 806 opposite the first end 804. The first elongated member 802 can have a first elongated side 807a and a second elongated side 807b, whereby the first and second elongated sides 807a, 807b can extend between the first end 804 and the second end 806 of the first elongated member 802. The first elongated member 802 can be further defined by a top side 808 and a bottom side 810.

[0322] The first elongated member 802 may terminate in a hook portion 812 that extends downward from the bottom side 810 at the first end 804. In some embodiments, the hook portion 812 may be designed to engage with the locking mechanism 54 ″ (e.g., the top opening 53 ) of the third electric vehicle charging plug 50 ″. In some embodiments, the hook portion 812 may have a generally triangular cross-sectional profile. In other embodiments, the hook portion 812 may have a different shape.

[0323] The first elongated member 802 can further include a rail 814 extending along the top side 808 of the first elongated member 802. The rail 814 can be centrally located and coextensive with the top side 808 between the first elongated side 807a and the second elongated side 807b. In some embodiments, the rail 814 can provide structural support or additional rigidity to the first elongated member 802.

[0324] The first elongated member 802 can further include a coupling member 816 projecting downwardly from its bottom side 810. The coupling member 816 can be disposed on the bottom side 810 of the first elongated member 802 adjacent the second end 806. In some embodiments, the bottom side 810 of the first elongated member 802 and the coupling member 816 together can define a Figure 21B 817. The coupling member 816 may include a protrusion 818 on an end portion of the coupling member 816. In some embodiments, the protrusion 818 may extend upward toward the bottom side 810 of the first elongated member 802. In some embodiments, the protrusion 818 and the "C" or "U" shaped recessed corner 817 may be designed to hold the clamp 800 in engagement with the housing 702 when the clamp 800 is placed on the housing 702 (e.g., see FIG. Figure 22C ).

[0325] In some embodiments, the first elongated member 802 can be made of a flexible but strong material so that when the clamp 800 is attached to or engaged with the housing 702 of the electric vehicle locking device 700, the hook portion 812 can slide upward and over the top side 65 of the first protrusion 64″ and into the top opening 53 of the third electric vehicle charging plug 50″, but cannot be easily tampered with or damaged. In some embodiments, the first elongated member 802 can also be given a certain length that is suitable for allowing the hook portion 812 to slide upward and over the top side 65 of the first protrusion 64″ and into the top opening 53 of the third electric vehicle charging plug 50″ when the clamp 800 is attached to or engaged with the housing 702 of the electric vehicle locking device 700, and to secure the electric vehicle locking device 700 to the first protrusion 64″ of the third electric vehicle charging plug 50″.

[0326] The second end 806 of the first elongated member 802 can be connected to or attached to the platform portion 820. The platform portion 820 can include a first support leg 822a disposed on a first platform side 824a of the platform portion 820 and a second support leg 822b disposed on a second platform side 824b of the platform portion 820. In some embodiments, the second support leg 822b can be substantially parallel to and a mirror image of the first support leg 822a. The first and second support legs 822a, 822b can extend downwardly and away from the front end 826 of the platform portion 820 at an angle. In some embodiments, the angle at which the first and second support legs 822a, 822b extend downwardly from the front end 826 of the platform portion 820 can be 45 degrees or approximately 45 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle can be greater than or less than 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the first and second support legs 822a, 822b can be made of a flexible yet strong material so that the first and second support legs 822a, 822b can compress and expand without breaking. In some embodiments, the first and second support legs 822a, 822b may be spring members or flexible materials.

[0327] In some embodiments, the platform portion 820 can be provided with a generally rectangular shape. In other embodiments, the platform portion 820 can be provided with another shape (e.g., an oval shape) or an irregular shape. In some embodiments, the platform portion 820 can be provided with a length and width and / or surface area that is sufficiently large to allow a person's finger or thumb to engage with and press downwardly on the platform portion 820. For example, in some embodiments, the platform portion 820 can be provided with a length of, or approximately, 13.88 mm and a width of, or approximately, 22.5 mm.

[0328] The clamp 800 can further include a second elongated member 828 extending downwardly from the central portion 830 of the platform portion 820. The second elongated member 828 can have a top end 832 and a bottom end 834 and can be connected or attached to the central portion 830 of the platform portion 820 at the top end 832 of the second elongated member 828. In some embodiments, the second elongated member 828 can extend downwardly from the platform portion 820 such that the first elongated member 802 and the second elongated member 828 are disposed substantially perpendicular to each other, as shown. Figure 21B In some embodiments, the second elongated member 828 may be given a length such that a space 835 exists between the bottom support 752 of the housing 702 of the electric vehicle locking device 700 and the bottom end 834 of the second elongated member 828, as shown in FIG. Figure 22B and 22C As shown in .

[0329] A locking through-hole 836 can be provided in the second elongated member 828 between the top end 832 and the bottom end 834 and extend completely through the second elongated member 828. In some embodiments, the locking through-hole 836 can be provided adjacent to the bottom end 834. The locking through-hole 836 can be sized and shaped to allow passage of a shackle or shank of a locking member (e.g., shackle 14 of locking member 10). In some embodiments, the locking through-hole 836 can have the same shape and dimensions as the first and second holes 764a, 764b of the clamp support unit 750 of the housing 702. In some embodiments, the locking through-hole 836 can have the same shape as the first and second holes 764a, 764b of the clamp support unit 750 of the housing 702, but with different dimensions. In other embodiments, the locking through-hole 836 can have a different size and / or shape than the first hole 764a or the second hole 764b of the clamp support unit 750 of the housing 702. In some embodiments, the locking through-hole 836 can be provided at a position in the second elongated member 828 such that when the clamp 800 is in the first clamp position (e.g., see Figure 22C ) is attached to or engaged with the housing 702, the locking through-hole 836 is substantially aligned with the first hole 764a and the second hole 764b of the clamp support unit 750.

[0330] like Figures 22A-22C As shown in FIG, the clamp 800 can be attached to or otherwise engaged with the housing 702. When in the first clamp position, the clamp 800 can be placed on the housing 702 so that the coupling member 816, the bottom side 810 of the first elongated member 802, and / or the protrusion 818 of the clamp 800 can engage with the clamp connector 770 of the housing 702, as shown. Figure 22C When in the first clamp position, the clamp connector 770 can be seated within the recessed corner 817 and the coupling member 816 can extend through the opening 774 of the housing 702, as shown. Figure 22C . In addition, when in the first clamp position, the first support leg 822a can engage with the first clamp support 766a of the clamp support unit 750, and the second support leg 822b can engage with the second clamp support 766b of the clamp support unit 750. The first elongated member 802 of the clamp 800 can extend above the top flange portion 725 of the first flange 724. The second elongated member 828 can be disposed in the gap 762 between the first side 754a and the second side 754b of the clamp support unit 750, as shown. Figure 22B Further, when in the first clamp position, the locking through-hole 836 of the clamp 800 may be substantially aligned with the first hole 764a of the first side 754a and the second hole 764b of the second side 754b of the clamp support unit 750.

[0331] As described above, when in the first clamp position, the first and second support legs 822a, 822b can engage the first and second clamp supports 766a, 766b, respectively. Furthermore, when in the first clamp position, the locking through-hole 836 of the second elongated member 828 of the clamp 800 can be substantially aligned with the first hole 764a on the first side 754a and the second hole 764b on the second side 754b of the clamp support unit 750 of the housing 702.

[0332] When the electric vehicle locking device 700 is being placed on or removed from the third electric vehicle charging plug 50 ″, the clamp 800 can be moved to a second clamp position (not shown). When moving to the second clamp position, the first end 804 of the first elongated member 802 can move in a generally upward direction. In some embodiments, the clamp 800 can be moved to the second clamp position in response to the platform portion 820 being pressed downward, causing the first and second support legs 822 a, 822 b to compress (e.g., the angle between the platform portion 820 and one or more of the first and second support legs 822 a, 822 b to decrease). In other embodiments, the clamp 800 can be moved to the second clamp position in response to the hook portion 812 of the first elongated member 802 moving upward and over the top side 65 of the first protrusion 64 ″ of the third electric vehicle charging plug 50 ″. In the second clamp position, the first end 804 of the first elongated member 802 can be raised to allow the hook portion 812 to slide over the top side 65 of the first protrusion 64 ″ and into the top opening 53 of the third electric vehicle charging plug 50 ″. When the first end 804 of the first elongated member 802 is raised upward, the coupling member 816 and the protrusion 818 can move or rotate in a first direction around the clamp connector 770 of the housing 702. In some embodiments, when the first end 804 of the first elongated member 802 is raised upward, the second elongated member 828 can be moved in a generally downward direction to reduce the space 835 between the bottom end of the second elongated member 828 and the bottom support 752 of the clamp support unit 750. In some embodiments, when the second elongated member 828 is moved in a generally downward direction, the locking through-hole 836 of the second elongated member 828 may become misaligned with the first hole 764 a and the second hole 764 b of the clamp support unit 750.

[0333] If the electric vehicle locking device 700 is being placed in the third electric vehicle charging plug 50 ″, the clamp 800 can be moved from the first clamping position to the second clamping position. When the clamp 800 moves from the first clamping position to the second clamping position, the housing 702 can engage with the third electric vehicle charging plug 50 ″. In some embodiments, the first flange 724 of the housing 702 can engage with the inner wall 63 of the first protrusion 64 ″ of the third electric vehicle charging plug 50 ″, so that the first protrusion 64 ″ surrounds all or a portion of the first flange 724.

[0334] After moving to the second clamp position in response to the platform portion 820 being depressed, the clamp 800 can move back to the first clamp position after the platform portion 820 is released. As the clamp 800 moves back to the first clamp position, the first end 804 of the first elongated member 802 can lower, and the coupling member 816 and the protrusion 818 can move or rotate in a direction opposite to the first direction about the clamp connector 770 of the housing 702. Additionally, as the clamp 800 moves back to the first clamp position, the second elongated member 828 can move in a generally upward direction as the first and second support legs 822a, 822b are decompressed (e.g., the angle between the platform portion 820 and one or more of the first and second support legs 822a, 822b increases). If the electric vehicle locking device 700 has been placed on the third electric vehicle charging plug 50", when the clamp 800 returns to the first clamp position, the hook portion 812 can be set in the top opening 53 on the top side 65 of the first protrusion 64". In addition, when the clamp 800 moves back to the first clamp position, the first hole 764a of the clamp support unit 750, the locking through hole 836 of the second slender member 828, and the second hole 764b of the clamp support unit 750 can be roughly aligned so that the shackle 14 of the locking piece 10 can pass through the first hole 764a, the locking through hole 836, and the second hole 764b, and vice versa. The shackle 14 can then be securely attached to the main body 12 of the locking piece 10, thereby placing the electric vehicle locking device 700 as shown. Figure 23 in the locked position shown in .

[0335] When in the locked position, the clamp 800 cannot be fully moved to the second clamp position (e.g., the hook portion 812 cannot be raised high enough to slide out of the top opening 53 and slide back over the top side 65 of the first protrusion 64″ of the third electric vehicle charging plug 50) because the shackle 14 prevents the second elongated member 828 of the clamp 800 from moving sufficiently downward. To remove the electric vehicle locking device 700 from the third electric vehicle charging plug 50″, the shackle 14 of the lock 10 can be disengaged from the main body 12 of the lock 10 and removed from the clamp support unit 750 of the housing 702 by passing the shackle 14 through the second hole 764b, the locking through-hole 836, and the first hole 764a, or vice versa. Once the locking member 10 is removed from the electric vehicle locking device 700, the platform portion 820 of the clamp 800 can be depressed, thereby moving the clamp 800 from the first clamping position to the second clamping position, in which the first and second support legs 822a, 822b are compressed and the hook portion 812 is raised. When the electric vehicle locking device 700 is slid away from the third electric vehicle charging plug 50" or is otherwise removed (for example, the first flange 724 is removed from the first protrusion 64"), the hook portion 812 can then move upward and away from the top opening 53.

[0336] Figure 24 A partial exploded view of the lock 10 , a sixth embodiment of an electric vehicle locking device 900 , and a third electric vehicle (EV) charging port 20 ″ is depicted.

[0337] The third electric vehicle charging port 20 ″ can be provided inside, on, or otherwise associated with an electric vehicle (not shown). In some embodiments, the third electric vehicle charging port 20 ″ can be provided in the form of a North American Charging Standard (NACS) or Tesla socket.

[0338] The third electric vehicle charging port 20 ″ may include a port housing 22 ″ having a locking mechanism hole 24 ′. The third electric vehicle charging port 20 ″ may include a locking mechanism 30 ″ disposed within an inner wall 31 of the locking mechanism hole 24 ′. The locking mechanism 30 ″ may include a bottom opening 35 disposed on a bottom portion of the inner wall 31 of the locking mechanism hole 24 ′.

[0339] A first set of terminal receptacles 36 ″ may be disposed within the locking mechanism aperture 24 ′.

[0340] The locking mechanism hole 24' can be given a first shape. In some embodiments, the first shape can be partially cylindrical. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism hole 24' can be given other shapes, such as a rectangular or square shape, a triangular shape, a trapezoidal shape, a combination of shapes, or an irregular shape.

[0341] The locking mechanism aperture 24' can be assigned a set of dimensions (not shown). In some embodiments, the set of dimensions of the locking mechanism aperture 24' can include a center width, a center height, and / or a depth. In some embodiments, the center width of the locking mechanism aperture 24' can be approximately 40.35 mm. In some embodiments, the center height of the locking mechanism aperture 24' can be approximately 36.14 mm. In some embodiments, the depth of the locking mechanism aperture 24' can be approximately 49.86 mm.

[0342] Steering Figures 25A-25D The sixth embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device 900 may include a housing 902. The housing 902 may be made of a polymer material (such as plastic), metal, or other suitable materials, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the housing 902 may be made of ABS polymer plastic. In some embodiments, the housing 902 may be formed using injection molding or a 3D printer.

[0343] The housing 902 can include a base 904 defined by a front side 906 and a back side 908. The base 904 can also have a top portion 910 and a bottom portion 912 opposite the top portion 910. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 912 can have a bottom edge 913.

[0344] The base 904 can have an outer edge 914 that defines the shape of the base 904. In some embodiments, the shape of the base 904 can be substantially square, rectangular, circular, oval, triangular, trapezoidal, etc. In some embodiments, the shape of the base 904 can be imparted with rounded edges, such as Figure 25A 、 25C Combinations of shapes and irregular shapes are also contemplated.

[0345] In some embodiments, the base 904 may be given a generally rectangular or generally boat-shaped shape, such as Figure 25C and 25D In some embodiments, the base 904 can be given a base width 916. In some embodiments, the base width 916 can be 40.38 mm, or approximately 40.38 mm.

[0346] Base 904 may be assigned a base height 920 (see Figure 25B In some embodiments, base height 920 can be 71.14 mm, or approximately 71.14 mm. Base 904 can also be provided with a base thickness (not shown). In some embodiments, the base thickness can be 3 mm, or approximately 3 mm.

[0347] The base 904 can have a clamp opening 921. In some embodiments, the clamp opening 921 can be provided in the base 904 within a first flange wall 930 (discussed in more detail below) of the first flange 924 and extend completely through the base 904, as shown in FIG. Figure 25C The clamp opening 921 can be given any size or shape suitable for fitting the first end 1004 of the first elongated member 1002 of the fourth embodiment of the clamp 1000 discussed below and / or the fin portion 1037 of the second elongated member 1028 of the clamp 1000 partially or completely therethrough. In some embodiments, the clamp opening 921 can have a generally rectangular shape, such as Figure 25C and 25D As shown in .

[0348] The bottom portion 912 of the base 904 can have a well opening 922 disposed in a central region of the bottom portion 912 and extending completely through the central region. In some embodiments, the well opening 922 can be disposed below the clamp opening 921. The well opening 922 can be defined by a first well side 923a, a second well side 923b, a bottom well side 923c, and a top well side 923d. In some embodiments, the well opening 1122 can be given a generally rectangular shape, such as Figure 25C and 25D As shown in .

[0349] The front side 906 of the base 904 can include a first flange 924. In some embodiments, the first flange 924 can be elongated, such as Figure 25B As shown in . The first flange 924 can have a top flange portion 925 and a bottom flange portion 927. The first flange 924 can also have an inner side 931.

[0350] In some embodiments, the first flange hole 929 can be provided in the bottom flange portion 927, such as Figure 25B 、 27B and 27D. The first flange hole 929 can be given any size or shape suitable for allowing the first hook portion 1012a and / or the second hook portion 1012b of the clamp 1000 discussed in more detail below to partially or completely fit therethrough (see, e.g., Figure 27D ).

[0351] The first flange 924 can have a first flange wall 930 that is imparted with a first flange thickness. In some embodiments, the first flange thickness can be 1.6 mm, or approximately 1.6 mm.

[0352] The first flange wall 930 can define a first flange shape. The first flange shape can be any size and shape suitable for engaging with the locking mechanism aperture 24' when the electric vehicle locking device 900 is placed on or otherwise connected to the third electric vehicle charging port 20". In some embodiments, the first flange shape can be the same or substantially the same as the shape of the locking mechanism aperture 24' of the third electric vehicle charging port 20". In some embodiments, the first flange shape can be partially cylindrical.

[0353] The first flange 924 can be given a first set of dimensions. In some embodiments, the first set of dimensions of the first flange 924 can be complementary to a set of dimensions of the locking mechanism hole 24 ′ of the third electric vehicle charging port 20 ″, so that the first flange 924 can be placed into the locking mechanism hole 24 ′ and fit therein, as shown in FIG. Figure 28 In some cases, the friction fit between the first flange wall 930 and the inner wall 31 of the locking mechanism hole 24 ′ can prevent the housing 902 from disengaging from the third electric vehicle charging port 20 ″.

[0354] In some embodiments, the first set of dimensions of the first flange 924 may include a first flange center width 932, a first flange center height 933 (see Figure 25C ), and the first flange depth 934 (see Figure 27D In some embodiments, the first flange center width 932 can be equal to or less than the center width of the locking mechanism hole 24 ′ of the third electric vehicle charging port 20 ″. For example, in some embodiments, the first flange center width 932 can be 35.56 mm, or approximately 35.56 mm, and the first flange center height 933 can be 31.24 mm, or approximately 31.24 mm.

[0355] The first flange depth 934 can be the same as or different from the depth of the locking mechanism hole 24' of the third electric vehicle charging port 20". In some embodiments, the first flange depth 934 is the same as, approximately the same as, or greater than the depth of the locking mechanism hole 24' of the third electric vehicle charging port 20". For example, in some embodiments, the first flange depth 934 can be 69 mm or approximately 69 mm.

[0356] The rear side 908 of the base 904 may include a clamp support unit 950 and a bottom clamp support member 951 protruding outward therefrom. The clamp support unit 950 may be defined by a top support member 953, a first side 954a, and a second side 954b. In some embodiments, the first side 954a may be substantially parallel to the second side 954b. In some embodiments, the second side 954b may be a mirror image of the first side 954a.

[0357] The first side 954a can include a first side panel 956a having a first bottom end 958a and a first top end 960a. The first side panel 956a can be connected or attached to the top support member 953 at the first top end 960a. The second side 954b can include a second side panel 956b having a second bottom end 958b and a second top end 960b. The second side panel 956b can be connected or attached to the top support member 953 at the second top end 960b.

[0358] The top support member 953 may connect the first side panel 956a to the second side panel 956b. Figure 25D As shown in FIG, a gap 962 is formed between the first side plate 956a and the second side plate 956b.

[0359] A first hole 964a can be provided in the first side panel 956a between the first top end 960a and the first bottom end 958a and extend completely through the first side panel 956a. A second hole 964b can also be provided in the second side panel 956b between the second top end 960b and the second bottom end 958b and extend completely through the second side panel 956b. The second hole 964b can be provided in the second side panel 956b at the same location as the first hole 964a in the first side panel 956a, such that the first and second holes 964a, 964b are substantially aligned. The first and second holes 964a, 964b can be of any size and shape suitable for passing a shackle or shank of a locking element (e.g., shackle 14 of locking element 10). In some embodiments, the first and second holes 964a, 964b can be substantially oval in shape. In other embodiments, the first and second holes 964a, 964b can be substantially circular in shape.

[0360] In some embodiments, the bottom fixture support 951 may be given a generally rectangular shape, such as Figure 27B . The bottom fixture support 951 can include a first vertical support 968a and a second vertical support 968b. The first vertical support 968a can extend upward from the bottom fixture support 951 toward the top portion 910 of the housing 902, and the second vertical support 968b can extend upward from the bottom fixture support 951 toward the top portion 910 of the housing 902. In some embodiments, the first vertical support 968a and the second vertical support 968b can be mirror images of each other. The first and second vertical supports 968a, 968b can also be disposed on the rear side 908 of the housing 902 adjacent to the well opening 922, such that the first vertical support 968a is disposed adjacent to the first well side 923a, and the second vertical support 968b is disposed adjacent to the second well side 923b of the well opening 922.

[0361] The clamp connector 970 can extend between the first vertical support 968a and the second vertical support 968b, thereby connecting the first vertical support 968a to the second vertical support 968b. The clamp connector 970 can also extend across the pit opening 922. In some embodiments, the clamp connector 970 can be given a cylindrical or rod-like shape.

[0362] The clamp support unit 950 and the bottom clamp support 951 can be designed to engage with one or more embodiments of the clamps disclosed herein (e.g., 200, 400, 800, 1000). In some embodiments, the bottom clamp support 951 can be designed to engage with or otherwise communicate with the first and second support legs (e.g., 1022a, 1022b) of a clamp (e.g., 1000). The clamp connector 970 can be designed to engage with a coupling member (e.g., 1016) of the clamp so that the coupling member can rotate about the clamp connector 970 to raise and / or lower the first end (e.g., 1004) of the first elongated member (e.g., 1002) of the clamp. In addition, the gap 962 provided between the first and second side plates 956a, 956b of the clamp support unit 950 can be designed to engage with the second elongated member (e.g., 1028) of the clamp and allow the second elongated member of the clamp to move generally upward or downward between the first and second side plates 956a, 956b. In addition, the first and second holes 964a, 964b of the clamp support unit 950 can be designed to be generally aligned with the locking through-hole (e.g., 1036) of the clamp, so that the shackle of the locking member (e.g., shackle 14 of the locking member 10) can pass through the housing 902 and clamp and secure it to the electric vehicle charging port (e.g., 20") or the electric vehicle charging plug.

[0363] The sixth embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device 900 may include the fourth embodiment of the clamp 1000 designed for use therewith. The clamp 1000 may be made of a polymer material (such as plastic), metal, or other suitable materials, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the clamp 1000 may be made of polypropylene. In some embodiments, the clamp 1000 may be formed using injection molding or a 3D printer.

[0364] like Figure 26A and 26B, the clamp 1000 can be provided in the form of a body having a first elongated member 1002 defining a first end 1004 and a second end 1006 opposite the first end 1004. The first elongated member 1002 can have a first elongated side 1007a and a second elongated side 1007b, whereby the first and second elongated sides 1007a, 1007b can extend between the first end 1004 and the second end 1006 of the first elongated member 1002. The first elongated member 1002 can be further defined by a top side 1008 and a bottom side 1010.

[0365] The first elongated member 1002 may terminate in a first hook portion 1012a and a second hook portion 1012b that extend downwardly from a bottom side 1010 of the first elongated side 1007a at the first end 1004. In some embodiments, the first and second hook portions 1012a, 1012b may be designed to Figure 24 The hook portion 1012a and the hook portion 1012b may be configured to engage the locking mechanism 30 ″ (e.g., the bottom opening 35 ) of the third electric vehicle charging port 20 ″. In some embodiments, the first and second hook portions 1012a and 1012b may be configured to have a generally triangular cross-sectional profile. In other embodiments, the first and second hook portions 1012a and 1012b may be configured to have different shapes.

[0366] The first elongated member 1002 can further include a coupling member 1016 projecting downwardly from its bottom side 1010. The coupling member 1016 can be disposed on the bottom side 1010 of the first elongated member 1002 adjacent the second end 1006. In some embodiments, the bottom side 1010 of the first elongated member 1002 and the coupling member 1016 together can define a Figure 26B shaped concave corner 1017 as shown in FIG. The coupling member 1016 can include a protrusion 1018 on the end portion of the coupling member 1016. In some embodiments, the protrusion 1018 can extend upward toward the bottom side 1010 of the first elongated member 1002. In some embodiments, the concave corner 1017 and the protrusion 1018 can be designed to keep the clamp 1000 engaged with the housing 902 when the clamp 1000 is placed on the housing 902 (see, for example, FIG. Figure 27D ).

[0367] In some embodiments, the first elongated member 1002 can be made of a flexible but strong material so that when the clamp 1000 is attached to or engaged with the housing 902 of the electric vehicle locking device 900, the first and second hook portions 1012a, 1012b can slide upward and slide over the inner wall 31 of the locking mechanism hole 24' and slide into the bottom opening 35 of the locking mechanism 30'' of the third electric vehicle charging port 20", but cannot be easily tampered with or broken. In some embodiments, the first elongated member 1002 can be given a certain length that, when the clamp 1000 is attached to or engaged with the housing 902 of the electric vehicle locking device 900, is suitable for allowing the first and second hook portions 1012a, 1012b to slide upward and slide over the inner wall 31 of the locking mechanism hole 24' of the third electric vehicle charging port 20", and secure the electric vehicle locking device 900 to the locking mechanism 30".

[0368] The second end 1006 of the first elongated member 1002 can be connected to or attached to the platform portion 1020. The platform portion 1020 can include a first support leg 1022a disposed on a first platform side 1024a of the platform portion 1020 and a second support leg 1022b disposed on a second platform side 1024b of the platform portion 1020. In some embodiments, the second support leg 1022b can be substantially parallel to and a mirror image of the first support leg 1022a. The first and second support legs 1022a, 1022b can extend downwardly and away from the front end 1026 of the platform portion 1020 at an angle. In some embodiments, the angle at which the first and second support legs 1022a, 1022b extend downwardly from the front end 1026 of the platform portion 1020 can be 45 degrees, or approximately 45 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle can be greater than or less than 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the first and second support legs 1022a, 1022b can be made of a flexible but strong material so that the first and second support legs 1022a, 1022b can be compressed and expanded without breaking. In some embodiments, the first and second support legs 1022a, 1022b can be spring members or flexible materials.

[0369] In some embodiments, platform portion 1020 can be provided with a generally rectangular shape. In other embodiments, platform portion 1020 can be provided with another shape (e.g., an oval shape) or an irregular shape. In some embodiments, platform portion 1020 can be provided with a length and width and / or surface area that is sufficiently large to allow a person's finger or thumb to engage with and press downwardly on platform portion 1020. For example, in some embodiments, platform portion 1020 can be provided with a length of, or approximately, 13.88 mm and a width of, or approximately, 22.5 mm.

[0370] The clamp 1000 can further include a second elongated member 1028 extending upward from the top side 1008 of the second end 1006 of the first elongated member 1002. The second elongated member 1028 can extend upward from the central section 1030 of the first elongated member 1002 between the first elongated side 1007a and the second elongated side 1007b. The second elongated member 1028 can have a top end 1032 and a bottom end 1034 and can be connected or attached to the central section 1030 of the first elongated member 1002 at the bottom end 1034 of the second elongated member 1028. In some embodiments, the second elongated member 1028 can extend upward from the first elongated member 1002 such that the first elongated member 1002 and the second elongated member 1028 are disposed substantially perpendicular to each other, as in FIG. Figure 26B In some embodiments, the second elongated member 1028 may be given a length such that when the clamp 1000 is Figure 27C and 27D When attached to or engaged with the housing 902 as shown in FIG, a space 1035 exists between the top support 953 of the housing 902 of the electric vehicle locking device 900 and the top end 1032 of the second elongated member 1028.

[0371] In some embodiments, the second elongated member 1028 can be provided with a fin portion 1037 that is coextensive with the second elongated member 1028 and extends therefrom toward the first end 1004 of the first elongated member 1002 (see, e.g., Figure 26B In some embodiments, the fin portion 1037 can be imparted with a generally triangular shape. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 1037 of the fin portion 1037 can be connected or attached to the first elongated member 1002 along the central section 1030 of the first elongated member.

[0372] A locking through-hole 1036 can be provided in the second elongated member 1028 between the top end 1032 and the bottom end 1034 and extend completely through the second elongated member 1028. In some embodiments, the locking through-hole 1036 can be provided adjacent to the top end 1032. The locking through-hole 1036 can be sized and shaped to allow passage of a shackle or shank of a locking member (e.g., shackle 14 of locking member 10). In some embodiments, the locking through-hole 1036 can be provided with the same shape and dimensions as the first and second holes 964a, 964b of the clamp support unit 950 of the housing 902. In some embodiments, the locking through-hole 1036 can have the same shape as the first and second holes 964a, 964b of the clamp support unit 950 of the housing 902, but with different dimensions. In other embodiments, the locking through-hole 936 can have a different size and / or shape than the first hole 964a or the second hole 964b of the clamp support unit 950 of the housing 902. In some embodiments, the locking through-hole 1036 can be provided in the second elongated member 1028 at a position such that when the clamp 1000 is attached to or engaged with the housing 902 in the first clamp position (e.g., see Figure 27A and Figure 27D ), the locking through hole 1036 is roughly aligned with the first hole 964a and the second hole 964b of the clamp support unit 950.

[0373] like Figures 27A-27D As shown in FIG, the clamp 1000 can be attached to or otherwise engaged with the housing 902. When in the first clamp position, the clamp 1000 can be placed on the housing 902 so that the coupling member 1016, the bottom side 1010 of the first elongated member 1002, and / or the protrusion 1018 of the clamp 1000 can engage with the clamp connector 970 of the housing 902, as shown in FIG. Figure 27D When in the first clamp position, the clamp connector 970 can be seated within the recessed corner 1017 and the coupling member 1016 can extend through the recessed opening 922 of the housing 902, as shown. Figure 27D . Additionally, when in the first clamp position, the first support leg 1022a and / or the second support leg 1022b can engage the bottom clamp support 951. The first elongated member 1002 of the clamp 1000 can extend through the clamp opening 921 and over the inside 931 of the first flange 924 of the housing 902. The first and second hook portions 1012a, 1012b can be disposed in the first flange aperture 929, as shown. Figure 27A 、 27B The second elongated member 1028 may be disposed within the gap 962 between the first side 954a and the second side 954b of the jig support unit 950, as shown in FIG. Figure 27CFurther, when in the first clamp position, the locking through-hole 1036 of the clamp 1000 may be substantially aligned with the first hole 964a of the first side 954a and the second hole 964b of the second side 954b of the clamp support unit 950.

[0374] As described above, when in the first clamp position, the first and second support legs 1022a, 1022b can engage the bottom clamp support 951. Additionally, when in the first clamp position, the locking through-hole 1036 of the second elongated member 1028 of the clamp 1000 can be generally aligned with the first hole 964a of the first side 954a and the second hole 964b of the second side 954b of the clamp support unit 950 of the housing 902.

[0375] When the electric vehicle locking device 100 is being placed on or removed from the third electric vehicle charging port 20 ″, the clamp 1000 can be moved to a second clamp position (not shown). When moving toward the second clamp position, the first end 1004 of the first elongated member 1002 can move in a generally upward direction. In some embodiments, the clamp 1000 can be moved to the second clamp position in response to the platform portion 1020 being pressed downward, causing the first and second support legs 1022 a, 1022 b to compress (e.g., the angle between the platform portion 1020 and one or more of the first and second support legs 1022 a, 1022 b is reduced). In other embodiments, the clamp 1000 can be moved to the second clamp position in response to the first and second hook portions 1012 a, 1012 b of the first elongated member 1002 engaging the inner side 931 of the first flange 924. In the second clamp position, the first end 1004 of the first elongated member 1002 can be raised to allow the first and second hook portions 1012a, 1012b to slide over the inner side 931 of the first flange 924 and into the bottom opening 35 of the locking mechanism 30" of the third electric vehicle charging port 20". When the first end 1004 of the first elongated member 1002 is raised upward, the coupling member 1016 and the protrusion 1018 can move or rotate in a first direction about the clamp connector 970 of the housing 902. In some embodiments, when the first end 1004 of the first elongated member 1002 is raised upward, the second elongated member 1028 can move in a generally downward direction to increase the space 1035 between the top end 1032 of the second elongated member 1028 and the top support 953 of the clamp support unit 950. In some embodiments, when the second elongated member 1028 moves in a generally downward direction, the locking through-hole 1036 of the second elongated member 1028 may become misaligned with the first hole 964a and the second hole 964b of the clamp support unit 950 .

[0376] If the electric vehicle locking device 900 is being placed on the third electric vehicle charging port 20 ″, the clamp 1000 can be moved from the first clamping position to the second clamping position. When the clamp 1000 is moved from the first clamping position to the second clamping position, the housing 902 can be engaged with the third electric vehicle charging port 20 ″. In some embodiments, the first flange 924 of the housing 902 can be engaged with the inner wall 31 of the locking mechanism hole 24 ′ of the third electric vehicle charging port 20 ″, so that the locking mechanism hole 24 ′ surrounds all or a portion of the first flange 924.

[0377] After moving into the second clamp position in response to the platform portion 1020 being depressed, the clamp 1000 can move back into the first clamp position when the platform portion 1020 is released. As the clamp 1000 moves back into the first clamp position, the first end 1004 of the first elongated member 1002 can lower, and the coupling member 1016 and the protrusion 1018 can move or rotate in a direction opposite to the first direction about the clamp connector 970 of the housing 902. Additionally, as the clamp 1000 moves back into the first clamp position, the second elongated member 1028 can move in a generally upward direction as the first and second support legs 1022a, 1022b are decompressed (e.g., the angle between the platform portion 1020 and one or more of the first and second support legs 1022a, 1022b increases). If the electric vehicle locking device 900 has been placed on the third electric vehicle charging port 20", when the clamp 200 returns to the first clamp position, the first and second hook portions 1012a, 1012b can be disposed within the first flange hole 929 and the bottom opening 35 of the locking mechanism 30". In addition, when the clamp 1000 moves back into the first clamp position, the first hole 964a of the clamp support unit 950, the locking through hole 1036 of the second slender member 1028, and the second hole 964b of the clamp support unit 950 can be roughly aligned so that the shackle 14 of the locking piece 10 can pass through the first hole 964a, the locking through hole 1036, and the second hole 964b, and vice versa. The shackle 14 can then be securely attached to the body 12 of the locking piece 10, thereby placing the electric vehicle locking device 900 as shown. Figure 28 in the locked position shown in .

[0378] When in the locked position, the clamp 1000 cannot be fully moved to the second clamp position (e.g., the first and second hook portions 1012a, 1012b cannot be raised high enough to move upward and out of the bottom opening 35 of the third electric vehicle charging port 20") because the shackle 14 prevents the second elongated member 1028 of the clamp 1000 from moving sufficiently downward. To remove the electric vehicle locking device 900 from the third electric vehicle charging port 20", the shackle 14 of the lock 10 can be disengaged from the main body 12 of the lock 10 and removed from the clamp support unit 950 of the housing 902 by passing the shackle 14 through the second hole 964b, the locking through-hole 1036, and the first hole 964a, or vice versa. Once the locking member 10 is removed from the electric vehicle locking device 900, the platform portion 1020 of the clamp 1000 can be depressed, thereby moving the clamp 1000 from the first clamping position to the second clamping position, in which the first and second support legs 1022a, 1022b are compressed and the first and second hook portions 1012a, 1012b are raised. When the electric vehicle locking device 900 is slid away from the third electric vehicle charging port 20" or is otherwise removed (for example, the first flange 924 is removed from the locking mechanism hole 24'), the first and second hook portions 1012a, 1012b can move over and away from the bottom opening 35 of the locking mechanism hole 24' of the third electric vehicle charging port 20".

[0379] Figure 29 A partially exploded view of a seventh embodiment of the locking member 10 , an electric vehicle locking device 1100 , and a fourth electric vehicle (EV) charging plug 50 ′″ is depicted.

[0380] The fourth electric vehicle charging plug 50 ′″ can be attached to an electric vehicle charging station (not shown). In some embodiments, the fourth electric vehicle charging plug 50 ′″ can be provided in the form of a North American Charging Standard (NACS) or Tesla charging plug.

[0381] The fourth electric vehicle charging plug 50 ′″ can include a plug housing 52 ′″ having a front side 55 ′″. A first protrusion 64 ′″ can extend from the front side 55 ′″ of the plug housing 52 ′″.

[0382] The fourth electric vehicle charging plug 50''' can include a locking mechanism 54''' disposed on a top side 65' of a first protrusion 64'''. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 54''' can include a top opening 53'. A first set of terminals 66''' can be disposed together with the first protrusion 64'''.

[0383] The first protrusion 64''' can be given a first protrusion shape. In some embodiments, the first protrusion shape can be partially cylindrical. In other embodiments, the first protrusion 64''' can be given other shapes, such as a rectangular or square shape, a triangular shape, a trapezoidal shape, a combination of shapes, or an irregular shape.

[0384] The first protrusion 64''' can be assigned a set of dimensions (not shown). In some embodiments, the set of dimensions of the first protrusion 64''' can include a center width, a center height, and / or a depth. In some embodiments, the center width of the first protrusion 64''' can be approximately 39.84 mm. In some embodiments, the center height of the first protrusion 64''' can be approximately 35.11 mm. In some embodiments, the depth of the first protrusion 64''' can be approximately 48.36 mm.

[0385] Steering Figures 30A-30D The seventh embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device 1100 may include a housing 1102. The housing 1102 may be made of a polymer material (such as plastic), metal, or other suitable materials, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the housing 1102 may be made of ABS polymer plastic. In some embodiments, the housing 1102 may be formed using injection molding or a 3D printer.

[0386] The housing 1102 may include a base 1104 defined by a front side 1106 and a back side 1108. The base 1104 may also have a top portion 1110 and a bottom portion 1112 opposite the top portion 1110. The base 1104 may have an outer edge 1114 that defines the shape of the base 1104. In some embodiments, the shape of the base 1104 may be substantially square, rectangular, circular, oval, triangular, trapezoidal, etc. In some embodiments, the shape of the base 1104 may be imparted with rounded edges, such as Figure 30B and 30D Combinations of shapes and irregular shapes are also considered.

[0387] In some embodiments, the base 1104 may be given a generally circular shape, such as Figure 30B and 30D In some embodiments, the base 1104 can be given a base diameter (or width) 1118. In some embodiments, the base diameter (or width) 1118 can be 48 mm, or approximately 48 mm.

[0388] The base 1104 can be assigned a central base height 1120. In some embodiments, the central base height 1120 can be 40.92 mm, or approximately 40.92 mm. The base 1104 can also be assigned a base thickness (not shown). In some embodiments, the base thickness can be 2.5 mm, or approximately 2.5 mm.

[0389] The top portion 1110 of the base 1104 can have a well opening 1122 disposed in a central region of the top portion 1110. The well opening 1122 can be defined by a first well side 1123a, a second well side 1123b, a bottom well side 1123c, and a top well side 1123d. In some embodiments, the well opening 1122 can be given a partial rectangular shape with a rounded top, such as Figure 30B and 30D As shown in .

[0390] The front side 1106 of the base 1104 can include a first flange 1124 protruding outward therefrom. The first flange 1124 can have a top flange portion 1125 and a bottom flange portion 1127. The first flange 1124 can also have a first flange wall 1130 that is given a first flange thickness. In some embodiments, the first flange thickness can be 2 mm, or approximately 2 mm.

[0391] The first flange wall 1130 can define a first flange shape. The first flange shape can be of any size and shape suitable for engaging with the first protrusion 64''' when the electric vehicle locking device 1100 is placed on or otherwise connected to the fourth electric vehicle charging plug 50'''. In some embodiments, the first flange shape can be the same or substantially the same as the shape of the first protrusion 64''' of the fourth electric vehicle charging plug 50'''. In some embodiments, the first flange shape can be partially cylindrical.

[0392] First flange 1124 may be assigned a first set of dimensions. In some embodiments, the first set of dimensions of first flange 1124 may be complementary to the set of dimensions of first protrusion 64'', such that first flange 1124 may be positioned over and mated to first protrusion 64''. In some cases, a friction fit between first flange wall 1130 and first protrusion 64'' may prevent housing 1102 from disengaging from charging plug 50''.

[0393] In some embodiments, the first set of dimensions of the first flange 1124 may include a first flange width 1132, a first flange center height 1133 (see Figure 30B ), and the first flange depth 1134 (see Figure 31CIn some embodiments, the first flange diameter 1132 can be equal to or greater than the diameter of the first protrusion 64'' of the fourth electric vehicle charging plug 50''. For example, in some embodiments, the first flange width 1132 can be 41.12 mm, or approximately 41.12 mm, and the first flange center height 1133 can be 36.16 mm, or approximately 36.16 mm.

[0394] The first flange depth 1134 can be the same as or different from the depth of the first protrusion 64''' of the fourth electric vehicle charging plug 50''. In some embodiments, the first flange depth 1134 is the same as, approximately the same as, or less than the depth of the first protrusion 64''' of the fourth electric vehicle charging plug 50''. For example, in some embodiments, the first flange depth 1134 can be 28 mm, or approximately 28 mm.

[0395] The rear side 1108 of the base 1104 may include a jig support unit 1150 protruding outward therefrom. The jig support unit 1150 may be defined by a bottom support member 1152, a first side 1154a, and a second side 1154b. In some embodiments, the first side 1154a may be substantially parallel to the second side 1154b. In some embodiments, the second side 1154b may be a mirror image of the first side 1154a.

[0396] The first side 1154a can include a first side panel 1156a having a first bottom end 1158a and a first top end 1160a. The first side panel 1156a can be attached to the bottom support 1152 at the first bottom end 1158a.

[0397] The second side 1154b can include a second side panel 1156b having a second bottom end 1158b and a second top end 1160b. The second side panel 1156b can be attached to the bottom support 1152 at the second bottom end 1158b.

[0398] The bottom support member 1152 may connect the first bottom end 1158a of the first side panel 1156a to the second bottom end 1158b of the second side panel 1156b. Figure 30D As shown in FIG, a gap 1162 is formed between the first side plate 1156a and the second side plate 1156b.

[0399] A first hole 1164a can be provided in the first side panel 1156a between the first top end 1160a and the first bottom end 1158a and extend completely through the first side panel 1156a. A second hole 1164b can also be provided in the second side panel 1156b between the second top end 1160b and the second bottom end 1158b and extend completely through the second side panel 1156b. The second hole 1164b can be provided in the second side panel 1156b at the same location as the first hole 1164a in the first side panel 1156a, such that the first and second holes 1164a and 1164b are substantially aligned. The first and second holes 1164a and 1164b can have any size and shape suitable for passing a shackle or shank of a locking element (e.g., shackle 14 of locking element 10). In some embodiments, the first and second holes 1164a and 1164b can be substantially oval in shape. In other embodiments, the first and second apertures 1164a, 1164b may be imparted with a generally circular shape.

[0400] The first side 1154a can further include a first clamp support 1166a on the first top end 1160a, and the second side 1154b can include a second clamp support 1166b on the second top end 1160b. A first vertical support 1168a can extend upward from the first clamp support 1166a and extend beyond the top portion 1110 of the housing 1102. A second vertical support 1168b can extend upward from the second clamp support 1166b and extend beyond the top portion 1110 of the housing 1102. In some embodiments, the first vertical support 1168a and the second vertical support 1168b can be mirror images of each other.

[0401] The clamp connector 1170 may extend between the first vertical support 1168a and the second vertical support 1168b, thereby connecting the first vertical support 1168a to the second vertical support 1168b. In some embodiments, the clamp connector 1170 may be imparted with a cylindrical or rod-like shape.

[0402] The first vertical support 1168a can have a first front portion 1178a, and the second vertical support 1168b can have a second front portion 1178b. Extending outward from the first front portion 1178a of the first vertical support 1168a can be a first guide rail 1180a, and extending outward from the second front portion 1178b of the second vertical support 1168b can be a second guide rail 1180b. In some embodiments, the first and second guide rails 1180a, 1180b can extend along the top flange portion 1176 of the first flange 1124 and across the entire depth of the first flange 1124. In some embodiments, the first and second guide rails 1180a, 1180b can be arranged to be substantially parallel to each other and can be mirror images of each other.

[0403] First guide rail 1180a may have a first end portion 1186a opposite first front portion 1178a of first vertical support 1168a, and second guide rail 1180b may have a second end portion 1186b opposite second front portion 1178b of second vertical support 1168b. An end wall 1188 may extend from first end portion 1186a of first guide rail 1180a to second end portion 1186b of second guide rail 1180b. End wall 1188 may connect first guide rail 1180a to second guide rail 1180b.

[0404] A first flange hole 1190 may be provided in the top flange portion 1125 between the first guide rail 1180a, the second guide rail 1180b, and the end wall 1188 and extend completely through the top flange portion 1125, as shown. Figure 30A and 31C The first flange hole 1190 can be given any size suitable for receiving the hook portion 212 of the clamp 200. In some embodiments, the first flange hole 1190 has a generally rectangular shape.

[0405] The clamp support unit 1150 can be designed to interface with one or more embodiments of the clamps disclosed herein (e.g., 200, 400, 800, 1000). In some embodiments, the first and second clamp supports 1166a, 1166b can be designed to interface with or otherwise communicate with the first and second support legs (e.g., 222a, 222b), respectively, of a clamp (e.g., 200). The clamp connector 1170 can be designed to interface with a coupling member (e.g., 216) of the clamp, allowing the coupling member to rotate about the clamp connector 1170 to raise and / or lower the first end (e.g., 204) of the first elongated member (e.g., 202) of the clamp. Furthermore, a gap 1162 provided between the first and second side plates 1156a, 1156b of the clamp support unit 1150 can be designed to allow the second elongated member (e.g., 228) of the clamp to move generally upward or downward between the first and second side plates 1156a, 1156b. The first and second guide rails 1180a, 1180b can be designed to respectively engage or otherwise communicate with the first and second guide rails (e.g., 212a, 212b) of the clamp. Furthermore, the first and second holes 1164a, 1164b of the clamp support unit 1150 can be designed to be substantially aligned with the locking through-holes (e.g., 236) of the clamp, so that the shackle of the locking member (e.g., shackle 14 of the locking member 10) can pass through the housing 1102 and clamp and secure it to the electric vehicle charging port or electric vehicle charging plug (e.g., 50'').

[0406] The seventh embodiment of the electric vehicle locking device 1100 may include a clamp 200 designed to be used therewith. Figures 31A-31C , the clamp 200 can be attached to or otherwise engaged with the housing 1102. When in the first clamp position, the clamp 200 can be placed on the housing 1102 so that the coupling member 216, the bottom side 210 of the first elongated member 202, and / or the protrusion 218 of the clamp 200 can engage with the clamp connector 1170 of the housing 1102, as shown. Figure 31C When in the first clamp position, the clamp connector 1170 can be seated within the recessed corner 217 and the coupling member 216 can extend through the recessed opening 1122 of the housing 1102, as shown. Figure 31C. In addition, when in the first clamp position, the first support leg 222a can engage with the first clamp support 1166a of the clamp support unit 1150, and the second support leg 222b can engage with the second clamp support 1166b of the clamp support unit 1150. The first slender member 202 of the clamp 200 can extend above the top flange portion 1125 of the first flange 1124, and the hook portion 212 of the clamp 200 can be seated in the first flange hole 1190. The second slender member 228 can be disposed in the gap 1162 between the first side 1154a and the second side 1154b of the clamp support unit 1150, as shown. Figure 31B Further, when in the first clamp position, the locking through-hole 236 of the clamp 200 may be substantially aligned with the first hole 1164a of the first side 1154a and the second hole 1164b of the second side 1154b of the clamp support unit 1150 .

[0407] As described above, when in the first clamp position, the first and second support legs 222a, 222b can engage the first and second clamp supports 1166a, 1166b, respectively. Furthermore, when in the first clamp position, the locking through-hole 236 of the second elongated member 228 of the clamp 200 can be substantially aligned with the first hole 1164a on the first side 1154a and the second hole 1164b on the second side 1154b of the clamp support unit 1150 of the housing 1102.

[0408] When the electric vehicle locking device 1100 is being placed on or removed from the fourth electric vehicle charging plug 50'', the clamp 200 can be moved to a second clamp position (not shown). When moving toward the second clamp position, the first end 204 of the first elongated member 202 can move in a generally upward direction. In some embodiments, the clamp 200 can be moved to the second clamp position in response to the platform portion 220 being pressed downward, causing the first and second support legs 222a, 222b to compress (e.g., the angle between the platform portion 220 and the first and second support legs 222a, 222b is reduced). In other embodiments, the clamp 200 can be moved to the second clamp position in response to the hook portion 212 of the first elongated member 202 engaging the first protrusion 64'' of the fourth electric vehicle charging plug 50''. In the second clamp position, the first end 204 of the first elongated member 202 can be raised to allow the hook portion 212 to slide over the first protrusion 64'' and into the top opening 53' of the fourth electric vehicle charging plug 50''. When the first end 204 of the first elongated member 202 is raised upward, the coupling member 216 and the protrusion 218 can move or rotate in a first direction around the clamp connector 1170 of the housing 1102. In some embodiments, when the first end 204 of the first elongated member 202 is raised upward, the second elongated member 228 can move in a generally downward direction to reduce the space 235 between the bottom end 234 of the second elongated member 228 and the bottom support 1152 of the clamp support unit 1150. In some embodiments, when the second elongated member 228 is moved in a generally downward direction, the locking through-hole 236 of the second elongated member 228 may become misaligned with the first hole 1164a and the second hole 1164b of the clamp support unit 1150.

[0409] If the electric vehicle locking device 1100 is being placed on the fourth electric vehicle charging plug 50'', the clamp 200 can be moved from the first clamping position to the second clamping position. When the clamp 200 moves from the first clamping position to the second clamping position, the housing 1102 can engage with the fourth electric vehicle charging plug 50''. In some embodiments, the first flange 1124 of the housing 1102 can engage with the first protrusion 64''' of the fourth electric vehicle charging plug 50''', so that the first flange 1124 surrounds all or a portion of the first protrusion 64'''.

[0410] After moving into the second clamp position in response to the platform portion 220 being depressed, the clamp 200 can move back into the first clamp position when the platform portion 220 is released. As the clamp 200 moves back into the first clamp position, the first end 204 of the first elongated member 202 can lower, and the coupling member 216 and the protrusion 218 can move or rotate in a direction opposite to the first direction about the clamp connector 1170 of the housing 1102. Additionally, as the clamp 200 moves back into the first clamp position, the second elongated member 228 can move in a generally upward direction as the first and second support legs 222a, 222b are decompressed (e.g., the angle between the platform portion 220 and one or more of the first and second support legs 222a, 222b increases). If the electric vehicle locking device 1100 has been placed on the fourth electric vehicle charging plug 50'', when the clamp 200 returns to the first clamp position, the hook portion 212 can be set in one or more of the first flange hole 1190 of the housing 1102 and the top opening 53' of the fourth electric vehicle charging plug 50''. In addition, when the clamp 200 moves back to the first clamp position, the first hole 1164a of the clamp support unit 1150, the locking through hole 236 of the second slender member 228, and the second hole 1164b of the clamp support unit 1150 can be roughly aligned so that the shackle 14 of the locking piece 10 can pass through the first hole 1164a, the locking through hole 236, and the second hole 1164b, or vice versa. The shackle 14 can then be securely attached to the main body 12 of the locking piece 10, thereby placing the electric vehicle locking device 1100 as shown. Figure 32 Locked position shown in .

[0411] When in the locked position, the clamp 200 cannot be fully moved to the second clamp position (e.g., the hook portion 212 cannot be raised high enough to slide out of the top opening 53' and / or the first flange hole 1190 and slide back over the first protrusion 64''' of the fourth electric vehicle charging plug 50'") because the shackle 14 prevents the second slender member 228 of the clamp 200 from moving sufficiently downward. To remove the electric vehicle locking device 1100 from the fourth electric vehicle charging plug 50''', the shackle 14 of the lock 10 can be disengaged from the main body 12 of the lock 10 and removed from the clamp support unit 1150 of the housing 1102 by passing the shackle 14 through the second hole 1164b, the locking through-hole 236, and the first hole 1164a, or vice versa. Once the locking member 10 is removed from the electric vehicle locking device 500, the platform portion 220 of the clamp 200 can be depressed, thereby moving the clamp 200 from the first clamping position to the second clamping position, in which the first and second support legs 222a, 222b are compressed and the hook portion 212 is raised. Then, when the electric vehicle locking device 1100 is slid away from the fourth electric vehicle charging plug 50''' or is otherwise removed (for example, the first flange 1124 is removed from the first protrusion 64'''), the hook portion 212 can pass over and move away from the top opening 53' and the first flange hole 1190 of the fourth electric vehicle charging plug 50'''.

[0412] Figure 33 Methods 1200 using the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiments of the above-described electric vehicle locking devices (eg, 100 , 300 , 500 , 600 , 700 , 900 , 1100 , respectively) are illustrated.

[0413] At step 1202, a clamp (e.g., 200, 400, 800, 1000) can be attached to a housing (e.g., 102, 302, 502, 602, 702, 902, 1102) of an electric vehicle locking device. As described above, the clamp can be attached to the housing by engaging the coupling member (216, 416, 816, 1016) and protrusion (218, 418, 818, 1018) of the clamp with the clamp connector (170, 370, 570, 670, 770, 970, 1170) of the housing so that the clamp connector seats within the recessed corner (217, 417, 817, 1017) of the clamp.

[0414] Once attached to the housing, the clamp can be positioned in a first clamp position. As described above, when in the first clamp position, the first and second support legs (e.g., 222a, 222b; 422a, 422b; 822a, 822b; 1022a, 1022b) of the clamp can engage with first and second clamp supports (e.g., 166a, 166b; 366a, 366b; 566a, 566b; 666a, 666b; 766a, 766b; 966a, 966b; 1166a, 1166b) of the housing, or a bottom support unit (see, e.g., 951) of the housing (e.g., 902). When the clamp is in the first clamp position, the first and second support legs can be in an intermediate position such that the first and second support legs are not compressed. Additionally, when the clamp is in the first clamp position, the first elongated member (e.g., 202, 402, 802, 1002) of the clamp can extend over a top flange portion (e.g., 125, 325, 525, 625, 725, 1125) of a first flange (e.g., 124, 324, 524, 624, 724, 1124) or an inner side (e.g., 931) of a first flange (e.g., 924) of the housing. Furthermore, when the clamp is in the first clamp position, the second slender member of the clamp (e.g., 228, 428, 828, 1028) can be disposed in a gap (e.g., 162, 362, 562, 662, 762, 962, 1162) between the first and second sides (e.g., 154a, 154b; 354a, 354b; 554a, 554b; 654a, 654b; 754a, 754b; 954a, 954b; 1154a, 1154b) of the clamp support unit (e.g., 150, 350, 550, 650, 750, 950, 1150). In addition, the first and second holes (e.g., 164a, 164b; 364a, 364b; 564a, 564b; 664a, 664b; 764a, 764b; 964a, 964b; 1164a, 1164b) of the clamp support unit of the housing can be roughly aligned with the locking through hole (e.g., 236, 436, 836, 1036) of the second slender member of the clamp.

[0415] Once the clamp is attached to the housing, the electric vehicle locking device can be placed onto or into a port housing (e.g., 22, 22', 22") of an electric vehicle charging port (e.g., 20, 20', or 20") or a plug housing (e.g., 52, 52', 52", 52'") of an electric vehicle charging plug (e.g., 50, 50', 50", 50'").

[0416] At step 1204, the platform portion of the clamp (e.g., 220, 420, 820, 1020) can be pressed downward, thereby compressing the first and second support legs of the clamp, which in turn raises the first end of the first slender member of the clamp (e.g., 204, 404, 804, 1004), thereby moving the clamp from the first clamp position to the second clamp position.

[0417] At step 1206, when in the second clamp position, the first end of the first elongated member of the clamp can engage with a locking mechanism (e.g., 30, 30', 30") of the electric vehicle charging port or a locking mechanism (e.g., 54, 54', 54", 54'") of the electric vehicle charging plug. In some embodiments, the first end (e.g., 204, 804, 1004) of the clamp engages with a locking mechanism (e.g., 30, 30', 30") of the electric vehicle charging port (e.g., 20, 20', 20") or a locking mechanism (e.g., 54", 54") of the electric vehicle charging plug (e.g., 50", 50") by raising to hook onto or into the locking mechanism. In other embodiments, the first end (e.g., 404) of the clamp engages with the locking mechanism of the electric vehicle charging plug (e.g., 50, 50') by being raised to allow the locking member (e.g., 56, 56') of the locking mechanism (e.g., 54, 54') to latch onto the inside (e.g., 385, 685) of the center divider (e.g., 384, 684) of the housing (e.g., 302, 602) of the electric vehicle locking device. Additionally, when in the second clamp position, the locking through-hole of the second elongated member of the clamp may not be substantially aligned with the first and second holes of the clamp support unit of the housing.

[0418] At step 1208, when the clamp is in the second clamp position, the first flange of the housing of the electric vehicle locking device may engage with the first portion of the port housing of the electric vehicle charging port or the first portion of the plug housing of the electric vehicle charging plug. In some embodiments, the first portion of the electric vehicle charging port may be provided in the form of a first protrusion (e.g., 34, 34'). In some embodiments, the first portion of the electric vehicle charging port may be provided in the form of a locking mechanism hole (e.g., 24'). In some embodiments, the first portion of the electric vehicle charging plug may be provided in the form of a first protrusion (e.g., 64, 64', 64'', 64''). In some embodiments, the first portion of the port housing of the electric vehicle charging port (e.g., 20, 20') may include a channel (e.g., 44, 44'). In some embodiments, the first portion of the plug housing of the electric vehicle charging plug (e.g., 50, 50') may include a raised ridge (e.g., 62, 62'). In some embodiments, a ridge (e.g., 128, 528) can extend from a bottom flange portion (e.g., 127, 527) of a first flange (e.g., 124, 524) and can engage with a corresponding channel (e.g., 44, 44') of the electric vehicle charging port when the first flange is mated with the first portion of the electric vehicle charging port. In some embodiments, a flange channel (e.g., 328, 628) can be provided in a bottom flange portion (e.g., 327, 627) of a first flange (e.g., 324, 624) and can engage with a corresponding raised ridge (e.g., 62, 62') of the electric vehicle charging plug when the first flange is mated with the first portion of the plug housing of the electric vehicle charging plug.

[0419] In some embodiments, the housing of the electric vehicle locking device (e.g., 102, 302) may have a second flange (e.g., 126, 326). If the housing of the electric vehicle locking device has a second flange, at optional step 1210, the second flange may be engaged with the second portion of the port housing of the electric vehicle charging port or the second portion of the plug housing of the electric vehicle charging plug. In some embodiments, the second portion of the port housing of the electric vehicle charging port may be provided in the form of a second protrusion (e.g., 38), and the second portion of the plug housing of the electric vehicle charging plug may be provided in the form of a second protrusion (e.g., 68). In some embodiments, the first and second flanges of the electric vehicle locking device may simultaneously engage with the first and second portions of the port housing of the electric vehicle charging port or the plug housing of the electric vehicle charging plug. In other embodiments, when the first flange engages with the first protrusion and the second flange (where applicable) engages with the second portion of the electric vehicle charging port or the second portion of the electric vehicle charging plug, the clamp may engage with the locking mechanism of the electric vehicle charging port or the locking mechanism of the electric vehicle charging plug.

[0420] At step 1212, once the clamp has engaged the locking mechanism of the electric vehicle charging port or the locking mechanism of the electric vehicle charging plug, and the first flange (including any ridges or flange channels) and the second flange (if applicable) have engaged the first and second portions of the electric vehicle charging port or the electric vehicle charging plug, respectively, the platform portion of the clamp can be released, thereby moving the clamp back from the second clamp position to the first clamp position. As the clamp moves from the second clamp position to the first clamp position, the first and second support legs of the clamp decompress and the first end of the first elongated member of the clamp lowers. In some embodiments, when the clamp moves back to the first clamp position after being placed on or in the electric vehicle charging port or the electric vehicle charging plug, the first end of the first elongated member of the clamp (e.g., 200) can be disposed on the inside (e.g., 33, 33') of the locking member (e.g., 32, 32') of the locking mechanism (e.g., 30, 30') of the electric vehicle charging port (e.g., 20, 20'). In other embodiments, the first end of the first elongated member of the clamp (e.g., 1000) can be disposed in a bottom opening (e.g., 35) of a locking mechanism (e.g., 30") of an electric vehicle charging port (e.g., 20"). In some embodiments, when the clamp is returned to the first clamp position, the first end of the first elongated member of the clamp (e.g., 800, 200) can be disposed in a top opening (e.g., 53, 53') of a locking mechanism (e.g., 54") of an electric vehicle charging plug (e.g., 50", 50"). In a further embodiment, when the clamp (e.g., 400) moves back to the first clamp position, the locking member (e.g., 56, 56') of the locking mechanism (e.g., 54, 54') of the electric vehicle charging plug (e.g., 50, 50') can be disposed on the inner side (e.g., 385, 685) of the center divider (e.g., 384, 684) of the housing (e.g., 300, 600).

[0421] At step 1214, once the clamp is returned to the first clamp position, the locking member 10 can be attached to the electric vehicle locking device. When the clamp is returned to the first clamp position after being placed on the electric vehicle charging port or electric vehicle charging plug, the first and second holes of the clamp support unit of the housing can be generally aligned with the locking through-hole of the second elongated member of the clamp. The shackle 14 of the locking member can be passed through the first hole of the clamp support unit, the locking through-hole of the second elongated member, and the second hole of the clamp support unit, or vice versa, and then securely reattached or locked to the body 12 of the locking member 10.

[0422] To remove the electric vehicle locking device from the electric vehicle charging port or the electric vehicle charging plug, the locking member 10 can be removed at step 1216. The locking member 10 can be removed by detaching one or both ends (e.g., 16, 18) of the shackle 14 of the locking member 10 and passing the shackle 14 back through the first hole of the housing, the locking through-hole of the clamp, and the second hole of the housing, or vice versa. Once the locking member 10 is removed from the electric vehicle locking device, the electric vehicle locking device can be removed from the electric vehicle charging port or the electric vehicle charging plug.

[0423] At step 1218, the platform portion of the clamp can be depressed, thereby moving the clamp from the first clamp position to the second clamp position, in which the first end of the first elongated member of the clamp is raised. Once raised, at step 1220, the first end of the clamp can be disengaged from the locking mechanism of the electric vehicle charging port or electric vehicle charging plug.

[0424] At step 1222 , the first flange may be removed from the first portion of the electric vehicle charging port or the electric vehicle charging plug by pulling the first flange away from the first portion of the electric vehicle charging port or the electric vehicle charging plug.

[0425] If the housing has a second flange, at optional step 1224, the second flange can be removed from the electric vehicle charging port or electric vehicle charging plug by pulling the second flange away from the second portion of the electric vehicle charging port or electric vehicle charging plug. In some embodiments, the first and second flanges are removed from the first and second portions of the electric vehicle charging port or plug simultaneously. In some embodiments, the clamp disengages from the housing while the first flange is removed from the first portion and the second flange (if applicable) is removed from the second portion of the electric vehicle charging port or electric vehicle charging plug.

[0426] At step 1226 , once the electric vehicle locking device has been removed from the electric vehicle charging port or the electric vehicle charging plug, the platform portion of the clamp may be released and the clamp may be returned to the first clamp position.

[0427] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that although the above disclosure is described above in conjunction with specific embodiments and examples, the above disclosure is not necessarily so limited, and many other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications, and deviations from the embodiments, examples, and uses are intended to be covered by the appended claims. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated herein by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated herein by reference. The various features and advantages of the above disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A housing for an electric vehicle locking device, comprising: a base having anterior and posterior sides; a first flange extending from a front side of the base, the first flange being configured to engage a first portion of a port housing of an electric vehicle charging port or a first portion of a plug housing of an electric vehicle charging plug; as well as A jig support unit extending from a rear side of the base, the jig support unit comprising: a first side panel having a first top end, a first bottom end opposite the first top end, and a first opening disposed between the first top end and the first bottom end; as well as a second side panel having a second top end, a second bottom end opposite the second top end, and a second opening disposed between the second top end and the second bottom end, wherein the second side panel is disposed generally parallel to the first side panel, and wherein the second opening is generally aligned with the first opening.

2. The housing for the electric vehicle locking device according to claim 1, wherein: The first opening and the second opening have the same shape and size.

3. The housing for the electric vehicle locking device according to claim 1, wherein: The first flange has a bottom flange portion, and the housing for an electric vehicle locking device further includes a ridge extending from the bottom flange portion of the first flange, wherein the ridge is configured to engage a channel in a first portion of a port housing of the electric vehicle charging port.

4. The housing for the electric vehicle locking device according to claim 1, wherein: The first flange has a bottom flange portion, and the housing for the electric vehicle locking device further includes a flange channel extending through the bottom flange portion of the first flange, wherein the flange channel is configured to engage with a raised ridge of a plug housing of the electric vehicle charging plug. 5 . The housing for the electric vehicle locking device according to claim 1 , further comprising a first vertical member provided on the rear side of the base and a second vertical member provided on the rear side of the base, wherein the first vertical member is provided substantially parallel to the second vertical member. 6 . The housing for the electric vehicle locking device of claim 5 , further comprising a clamp connector extending between the first vertical member and the second vertical member.

7. The housing for an electric vehicle locking device according to claim 5, further comprising a first support member connected to a first top end of the first side plate and a second support member connected to a second top end of the second side plate, wherein the first vertical member extends upward from the first support member and the second vertical member extends upward from the second support member.

8. The housing for an electric vehicle locking device according to claim 1 further comprises a second flange extending from a front side of the base, wherein the second flange is disposed below the first flange, and wherein the second flange is configured to engage with a second portion of a port housing of the electric vehicle charging port or a second portion of a plug housing of the electric vehicle charging plug.

9. The housing for the electric vehicle locking device according to claim 8, wherein: A ridge is disposed between the first flange and the second flange, wherein the ridge is configured to engage a channel in a first portion of a port housing of the electric vehicle charging port.

10. The housing for the electric vehicle locking device according to claim 8, wherein: A flange channel is provided between the first flange and the second flange, wherein the flange channel is configured to engage with a raised ridge of a first portion of a plug housing of the electric vehicle charging plug.

11. A clamp for a locking device of an electric vehicle, comprising: a first elongated member having a first end and a second end; a second elongated member having a top portion and a bottom portion opposite the top portion, wherein the second elongated member is disposed generally perpendicular to the first elongated member; a platform portion connected to the second end of the first elongated member; a first support leg extending from the platform portion; as well as A second support leg extends from the platform portion, wherein the second support leg is disposed generally parallel to the first support leg.

12. The clamp for an electric vehicle locking device according to claim 10, wherein: The second elongated member extends downwardly from the platform portion.

13. The clamp for an electric vehicle locking device according to claim 10, wherein: An aperture is provided between the top portion and the bottom portion of the second elongated member.

14. The clamp for an electric vehicle locking device according to claim 10, wherein: The first support leg and the second support leg each extend downwardly from the platform portion at an angle.

15. The clamp for an electric vehicle locking device according to claim 14, wherein: The first and second support legs are configured to compress such that an angle between the platform portion and the first or second support leg decreases.

16. The clamp for an electric vehicle locking device according to claim 14, wherein the angle is about 45 degrees. 17 . The clamp for an electric vehicle locking device of claim 10 , further comprising a hook portion extending downwardly from the first end of the first elongated member, wherein the hook portion is configured to engage with a locking mechanism of an electric vehicle charging port or an electric vehicle charging plug.

18. The clamp for an electric vehicle locking device according to claim 10, wherein: The first elongated member has a first side and a second side generally parallel to the first side, the first side and the second side extending between a first end and a second end of the first elongated member.

19. The clamp for an electric vehicle locking device according to claim 18, wherein: A first guide member extends downwardly from a first side of the first elongated member, and a second guide member extends downwardly from a second side of the first elongated member.

20. A method of using an electric vehicle locking device, the electric vehicle locking device comprising a clamp and a housing, the clamp comprising a first elongated member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a second elongated member disposed perpendicularly to the first elongated member, and a platform portion connected to the second end of the first elongated member, wherein a hole is disposed in the second elongated member, the method comprising the steps of: attaching the clamp to the housing, wherein the first elongated member extends over a first flange of the housing and the aperture is substantially aligned with both the first opening of the housing and the second opening of the housing; depressing a platform portion of the clamp to move the clamp from a first clamp position to a second clamp position, wherein the clamp is in an intermediate position when in the first clamp position, and wherein the first end of the first elongated member is elevated in the second clamp position; engaging the first end of the clamp with a locking mechanism of an electric vehicle charging port or an electric vehicle charging plug; engaging a first flange of the housing with a first portion of a port housing of the electric vehicle charging port or a first portion of a plug housing of the electric vehicle charging plug; releasing the platform portion of the clamp to move the clamp from the second clamp position to the first clamp position; The lock is attached to the electric vehicle locking device by passing a shackle of the lock through the first opening of the housing, the aperture of the second elongated member of the clamp, and the second opening of the housing, and attaching the shackle to the body of the lock.

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