Automotive Vehicle Carried Patents (Class 40/591)
  • Patent number: 7523978
    Abstract: A bus construction has a front entry door assembly with adjacent front and rear panels, wherein the rear panel is wider than the front panel so that the front panel does not block the driver's view to the side rear view mirror when the door is in the open position. The front entry door assembly is disposed in the front portion of the sidewall of the bus that is inwardly tapered to provide easy access into the interior of the bus through the opened panels by a wheel-chair bound passenger. A destination sign is configured in a support spaced from the front windshield to eliminate frost or moisture condensation on the destination sign when the bus is in use. Panels are also provided along the upper edges of the sidewalls of the bus for providing sequential displays advertising. The advertising presentation is protected and viewed through the upper portions of the glass of the sidewall window assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Altair Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jos Timmermans, Jean Raymond, Norman C. Haustein
  • Patent number: 7516764
    Abstract: A color changing system for a vehicle that allows an individual to change the visible color of a vehicle by using a plurality of paints inserted in between a pair of transparent layers that are attached to multiple portions of the vehicles. The paints are located within a reservoir unit that has a number of holding tanks, with the holding tanks including holding tanks for the primary colors red, blue, and yellow. In addition, a mixing tank unit includes a series of mixing tanks in which paints are transferred to after leaving the holding tanks but before entering a gap area located in between the pair of transparent layers. The mixing areas hold either primary colors, unmixed, or the primary colors after they have been mixed. A series of mixing tank pumps then pump the resulting mixtures into the gap area in between the pair of transparent layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Kendel P. Cobb
  • Publication number: 20090084010
    Abstract: An enclosure attachment for storing, carrying, dispensing, protecting, displaying, and otherwise broadcasting general advertisement and communication including but not limited to business cards, restaurant menus, flyers, digital text displays, flat panel screens (e.g. LCDs), any other media, in the scope of being attached to any surface of an automobile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: David Rudolph Dykstra
  • Publication number: 20090071051
    Abstract: A vehicular animal identification paddle apparatus is comprised of a display member, a stem and a display member holder. The display member holder is comprised of a window clip, a horizontal extension member and a socket. The attachment means attaches the horizontal extension member and the socket to a vehicle window. The display member exhibits an animal identifier comprised of a silhouette of an animal and the printed name of that animal. The stem is attached at one end to the display member and at the other end secured to the socket. An animal of interest within a wildlife area is identified and exhibited to occupants of other vehicles by placing a coinciding display member within the apparatus and attaching it to a user's vehicle. This minimizes traffic congestion within the wildlife area and identifies the animal to those interested.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Nancy M. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7503135
    Abstract: A mobile sign carrier that mounts on a vehicle receiver hitch and method of use are provided. The mobile sign carrier has a base, a vertical piece and two cross pieces that fold down to form a cross shape. Four sliding brackets are provided, each having permanently attached a square, flat piece, which sliding brackets are mounted one each on each of the cross pieces and one each on the first end and the second end of the vertical piece. The sliding brackets are positioned and secured by means of a fastener to accommodate signs of different sizes. The mobile sign carrier provides a securing device for use on a vehicle with a tailgate. Safety chains further secure the vertical piece to the trailer hitch. A strobe light and night reflective tape are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: William Estill Chafin
  • Publication number: 20090064552
    Abstract: A hitch-mounted vehicle sign display assembly of the present invention includes a shank configured to engage a conventional trailer hitch receiver and a support member (such as a framework) attached to the shank for attaching a display, such as a conventional yard sign or rigid sign, to the hitch receiver or hitch assembly of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Publication number: 20090049721
    Abstract: A decorative apparatus includes a plurality of structures in specified shapes. A magnetic element is coupled to a bottom surface of each of the plurality of structures for removable magnetic attachment to a metal surface. A plurality of decorative elements are coupled to a top surface of each of the plurality of structures, and the plurality of decorative elements are arranged in a pattern. The plurality of structures may include a magnetic sheet having a magnetic bottom surface, and a decorative top surface which may include vinyl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Caren E. Katz
  • Publication number: 20090033481
    Abstract: A brake-actuated message device. An illustrative embodiment of the brake-actuated message device includes a device casing having a front panel, a plurality of lights carried by the front panel, a message panel carried by the front panel generally adjacent to the plurality of lights, a message provided in the message panel, a lighting module connected to the plurality of lights and brake circuit wiring connected to the lighting module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Jed K. Kuvantrarai
  • Publication number: 20090019748
    Abstract: A mobile display system (1) and method which utilizes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's) (29) to create a display (6) located on a side (3 and/or 30) and/or rear section (5) and/or front section (44) of a vehicle (2). The vehicle (2) has a first side (3), a second side (30), a rear section (5), a front section (44), a bottom section (33) and a top section (4). A means for powering (37) the at least one display (6) may be batteries (38), at least one generator (39), the motor (40) of the vehicle (2), solar panels (43) and other power supply means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Rosarius
  • Patent number: 7478492
    Abstract: A flat panel display is integrated with and mounted to an exterior portion of a motor vehicle. The flat panel display, such as LED or plasma display, is mounted flush to an exterior portion of a vehicle body. A protective rim surrounds at least a portion of the perimeter the display. A protective layer is disposed on a viewing surface of the display. A control circuit is coupled for controlling the display. A memory device is coupled to the control circuit for storing images. An operator control panel is coupled to the control circuit for controlling operation of the display. A communication link is coupled to the control circuit for receiving images for display on the flat panel display. A sensor is coupled to the control circuit for sending a sensor signal to the control circuit and causing an image to be displayed on the flat panel display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph R. Madonia
  • Publication number: 20090008955
    Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method for rapidly and accurately creating vehicles wraps for use on cars, trailers, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, a digital photograph of the vehicle is imported into a graphics editing program where the vehicle image is stretched to reflect the actual surface area of the automobile or other vehicle. The graphic image that is to be applied is then dragged over the model of the actual surface area of the vehicle and positioned according to the desires of the designer. Once the graphic design is satisfactorily positioned, the instant invention will take that image and print it on what is preferably two or four mil vinyl film using specialized printers (e.g., an ink jet printer) designed for that purpose. Thereafter, the film containing the graphic image will be applied to the subject vehicle as is conventionally done.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Sergio Desoto
  • Patent number: 7474201
    Abstract: A safety unit for use on vehicles such as school buses. In one embodiment, a housing is provided for the drive motor and related elements for moving a stop sign on the side of the bus between its retracted and extended positions. The housing has a removable cover to provide access to the drive motor and related elements, and the stop sign is mounted on a driveshaft that extends through a single opening in the bottom wall of the housing. In a second embodiment the safety unit is integrated with an access panel on the school bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Specialty Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric D. Swanger
  • Publication number: 20090000170
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a plate for symbol, in particular for vehicles. The plate comprises a sheet that bears the symbol, a frame, provided with an opening for leaving the symbol visible and a support comprising a partition wall and a space wherein the sheet seats. The partition wall is arranged between the sheet surface and the frame for preventing reciprocal contact thereof, thus preventing corrosion phenomena.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Lupini Targhe S.p.A.
    Inventor: Angiolino Capuzzi
  • Patent number: 7461853
    Abstract: A boat hull shield device comprising a bracket member attached to the tongue of a trailer. An adjustable shield-support assembly is fastened to the bracket member and extending upwardly therefrom. A pair of planar shield members is adjustably attached to the shield support assembly, with the shield members each positioned to one side of the bracket member in an open V configuration. A pair of linear brace members further stabilizes the shield members. Each brace member is secured at a first end to one shield member and at a second end to the upright support fastened to the tongue of the trailer. The planar shield members are rotationally adjustable relative to a horizontal axis, which is perpendicular to the trailer tongue and pivotally adjustable relative to a vertical axis, that is perpendicular to the trailer tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Wayne A. Larson
  • Patent number: 7455311
    Abstract: A Rudder Hitch Cover that simulates a sailboats rudder assembly in appearance and motion. The Rudder Hitch Cover attaches to a vehicles trailer hitch in such a way as to be easily removable. The rudder blade bracket (24) may swing side to side in response to the vehicles motion. The rudder blade (30) may rotate up if contacted by a fixed object such as a curb or speed bump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Frederick Robert Moore
  • Patent number: 7454853
    Abstract: A vehicular animal identification paddle apparatus is comprised of a display member, a stem and a display member holder. The display member holder is comprised of a window clip , a horizontal extension member and a socket. The attachment means attaches the horizontal extension member and the socket to a vehicle window. The display member exhibits an animal identifier comprised of a silhouette of an animal and the printed name of that animal. The stem is attached at one end to the display member and at the other end secured to the socket. An animal of interest within a wildlife area is identified and exhibited to occupants of other vehicles by placing a coinciding display member within the apparatus and attaching it to a user's vehicle. This minimizes traffic congestion within the wildlife area and identifies the animal to those interested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Nancy M. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20080276510
    Abstract: A display mounting kit, system, and method are disclosed utilizing first and second primary releasable attachment elements that are secured about the periphery of a display panel and in a substantially corresponding relationship on a mounting surface, respectively. At least one supplementary fastening element having a stiff core and first and second substantially planar surfaces for respective engagement with the display panel and the mounting surface provides secure mounting between the display panel and the mounting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Rod Harris
  • Patent number: 7444773
    Abstract: A point of purchase display includes a frame having left and right legs and upper and lower cross-beams. Each leg has upper and lower portions joined at an angle. The right and left legs are parallel to each other and are joined by a center cross-beam and the upper and lower cross-beams. Upper and lower display inserts are connected to the frame and fitted in the voids defined by the center cross-beam and the upper or lower cross-beam, and the upper or lower portions of the right and left legs, respectively. Upper and lower retaining members detachably connect to the right and left legs for securing the upper and lower inserts to the frame. An electronic display unit with a multiple source power supply is mounted to one of the upper and lower display inserts. A connection assembly attaches the display to the truck bedside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: EPI Printers, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick J. Kolodziejczak, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20080256834
    Abstract: A mounting for sheet signage which includes a base structure of frame elements, an elongate support having frame members and sheet attachments. Mounts on the base and on the elongate supports facilitate placement of the mounting on the base structure. Interlocking elements are engageable through relative longitudinal displacement between the elongate supports and the base which are neither engageable nor disengageable through relative lateral displacement between these elements. A mounting for sheet signage also contemplates the integration of a vehicle frame with sheet attachments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: MARVIN A. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20080247852
    Abstract: A load hauling vehicle such as a truck or trailer having a bed which can be loaded or unloaded either from the side or the rear of the bed. The present invention has one or both side walls which are hinged at the bottom edge to an adjacent edge of the bottom of the bed so that the side walls can be swung by an actuator to raise and lower the side walls. The present invention further provides a mobile display with at least one secondary lifting arm that raises an advertisement to be prominently displayed to potential customers. Further, the side walls of the present invention can serve as a portable stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Graham
  • Patent number: 7422259
    Abstract: A display system on mobile system includes a mobile, platform, a hanging rail, a plurality of display boards, a hanging roller device, and a spacer. The hanging rail is provided across the display space. The hanging roller device, for each of the display board, has two rollers connected with a connecting bar, a board holder fixed to the connecting bar at a first end and fixed to the top edge of the display board, and a neck portion provided at the board holder. The display system may further include a chain for connecting and tugging the display boards; a motor for tugging the chain along with the connected display boards; and a motor controller for controlling the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Sung Wan Ban
  • Publication number: 20080202004
    Abstract: A bumper sticker game and a kit for playing the game, the kit comprising a pair of bumper stickers; one bumper sticker containing a question, and a second bumper sticker containing an answer to the question, wherein the answer is written or printed in reverse image, whereby the reverse image answer is read in a rearview mirror of a passing vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Patricia M. Coleman
  • Patent number: 7407217
    Abstract: The sideboard member includes an interior core portion (32) which is made from a composite material of shredded rubber and polyurethane plastic, and other ingredients. The core portion is covered with a durable rubber layer (35) which is bonded to the core portion and has a thickness of ?-inch to ?-inch. The top surface (38) of the sideboard member is in the form of an inverted “V”, with each side extending inwardly toward each other at an angle of approximately 45°, the top edge (44) of the inverted V being rounded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Compaan
  • Patent number: 7404372
    Abstract: An emergency signaling device comprises a flexible substrate stowed in the trunk of a vehicle for extending from a folded position to an extended position, for conveying a message to motorists approaching the vehicle. The emergency signaling device may extend from the trunk of the vehicle upon activation of a remote trunk release when a hazard flasher system is on, or the like. The emergency signaling device may be removed from the vehicle for use as an emergency signaling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Abeo, LLC
    Inventor: A. L. Pepper Aasgaard
  • Publication number: 20080177557
    Abstract: A method for promoting a matter in connection with a motor sports event comprises: soliciting from a plurality of participants at least one image associated with each of the participants; collecting a fee from each participant submitting, or endorsing, an image in response to the solicitation; assembling a mosaic from images provided by, or endorsed by, the participants; arranging the mosaic upon a vehicle that will compete in the motor sports event; attaching the mosaic to the vehicle; and facilitating provision of affirmation to the participants of the vehicle's participation in the motor sports event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Iain Saul
  • Patent number: 7395625
    Abstract: A device for mounting on a personal transporter intended to transport a rider in a standing position, for example a Segway HT, having a front panel disposed adjacent the front of the personal transporter and two side panels disposed adjacent the sides of the personal transporter. The device is releasably attachable to a personal transporter, and is suitable for displaying advertising. The device also provides protection to a rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Benjamin Chladny
  • Patent number: 7389600
    Abstract: A motor-driven decorative spinner rotatably supported by a housing configured for mounting on a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventors: Scott B. Baker, Arthur D. Hale, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7389601
    Abstract: A vehicle sign assembly includes a pair of elongated sign boards that are attached to a tow vehicle pulling a towed vehicle. The signs protrude away from side doors of the tow vehicle so that they are visible. Each sign has three transparent sides. One side is abutted against the tow vehicle while second and third sides converge outwardly from the tow vehicle doors so that the signs can be seen from a front and a rear of the tow vehicle. The second and third sides include indicia printed thereon, signaling that a vehicle is being towed. Each sign includes a chamber formed between the sides thereof. A mechanism is included for illuminating the signs so that one sign can remain illuminated when another sign is non-illuminated. A mechanism is included for affixing the signs to the doors of the tow vehicle such that signs can be adjusted as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Davis Guilmet
  • Patent number: 7377063
    Abstract: A switching gesture display device for vehicles includes a main box and a shaft rotatably mounted in the main box with opposite ends extending through and outside the main box, the shaft being rotatable between an initial position and a rotated position. Two primary indicia displays are mounted on the opposite ends of the shaft, the two primary indicia displays being displayed in a generally upright position when the shaft is in the initial position, and two secondary indicia displays are mounted on the shaft generally adjacent the two primary indicia displays, the two secondary indicia displays being displayed in a generally upright position when the shaft is in the rotated position. A shaft rotation device rotates the shaft between the initial position and the rotated position to alternatively display the two primary indicia displays in the initial position and the two secondary indicia displays in the rotated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Meyer
  • Patent number: 7365640
    Abstract: A transportable police vehicle decoy having a life-like, life-size visual image of a police vehicle mounted onto a trailer for transportability, the wheels of the trailing appearing to be the wheels of the police vehicle shown in the image. Operational emergency lights are positioned in the proper location on the visual image and can be activated by speed detection devices when a speeding vehicle approaches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: Teddy Garcia
  • Publication number: 20080086923
    Abstract: Sign mounting and tensioning apparatus, method and system for beadles signs comprises fired and floating rails adapted to removal y receive and hold elongated locks having sign edges wrapped around non-rotating inserts, and tensioning means for tensioning signs locked in the rails, which tensioning means may be a series of short levering mechanisms spaced along and connectable to the floating rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: SIGN MEDIA SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Antonio F. Uccello III, Andrei A. Troubeev
  • Patent number: 7347017
    Abstract: An advertising frame for use with a vehicle so as to render the advertising frame mobile is provided. The advertising frame includes a vehicle engagement that is configured for engaging a vehicle. A signage member is included and is configured for carrying advertising signage. The signage member is pivotable with respect to the vehicle engagement member so as to be configured for providing access to the rear of a vehicle. A tailgate, hatch, trunk, spare tire or other component or portion of the rear of the vehicle may be accessed by pivoting the signage member out of the way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: John Ripley Shaffer, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080060239
    Abstract: An apparatus comprised of a support plate adapted to support a vehicle plate, and at least one arm, each arm having a forward portion and a rearward portion, the forward portion supporting the support plate and the rearward portion non-permanently clamping the apparatus to a vehicle below the vehicle's grille. The apparatus can further include a pad disposed on each arm or on the back of the support plate to protect the vehicle from scratching. The arms can be a fixed length, adapted for a particular make and model of a vehicle, or the arms can be adjustable in length, adapted to fit multiple makes and models of vehicles. In an embodiment of the apparatus in which multiple arms are used, the arms can be connected with a crossbar, and the crossbar can further include one or more posts disposed thereon to aid in the non-permanent clamping of the apparatus to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Steven Harp
  • Patent number: 7316087
    Abstract: A windshield wiper flag holder comprises a bracket that is securable to an outer face of a windshield wiper arm by a plurality of flexible locking ties. Extending at an acute angle from the plane of the bracket is a flag holder. The flag holder includes an elongated sleeve for receiving an elongated support associated with a flag. In one embodiment, the bracket and flag holder are of a single piece plastic construction. Further, a portion of the flag holder includes a fastening tab. A flag designed to be received and supported by the device can be provided with a flexible collar for snapping onto the fastening tab of the flag holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventor: Braxton W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7308864
    Abstract: A warning flag assembly is disclosed for attachment to an overhanging load on a roadway vehicle. The flag assembly is generally cylindrical and has one margin secured to a holder that may be releasably attached to the overhanging load using conventional hardware whereby the flag assembly can be used with a variety of loads, re-used and conveniently stored when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Anthony J. Catner
  • Publication number: 20070277412
    Abstract: A structural device to which is fastened planar displays or frames to support planer displays and the structural device attaches to a vehicle so as to support planar displays or frames to support a planer displays in the plane parallel to or near parallel to the rear or front surfaces of the vehicle. The structural device is comprised of a singular structural member or a plurality of concatenated structural members that are static, exhibit rotational or linear articulation, or exhibit rotational and linear articulation. The structural device attaches to the vehicle by means its structural members and its securing devices. The structural device is placed on the vehicle or parts attached to the vehicle. The securing devices attach to the vehicle and are manipulated to provide forces which in conjunction with the structural members fasten the invention to the vehicle or parts attached to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Michael V. Haubert
  • Patent number: 7302768
    Abstract: A sign assembly for attachment to a supporting surface. The supporting surface is preferably a portion of a vehicle. The sign assembly preferably includes a display member having indicia formed thereon, a flexible member and an anchoring member operably associated with the display member for anchoring the display member to a portion of a vehicle. The flexible member allows the display member to move relative to the anchoring member to compensate for forces exerted on the display member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: Gregory George Gajdacs
  • Patent number: 7293523
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing that has planar walls defining a cavity. One wall has annular holes formed therein. An anchor plate is nested within the cavity and provided with apertures situated subjacent to the holes. Each aperture has a diameter equal to a diameter of the holes. One aperture is vertically situated below one of the holes. The other apertures are inwardly offset from their associated holes. Flags are positioned through the holes and apertures. A bottom wall is provided with apertures for directing undesirable fluids and debris out from the cavity. A mechanism is included for illuminating one rod and includes a switch and a fuse box. A light-emitting source is mounted to a front wall, confronts a front face of one flag, and emits a light beam upwardly along the shaft thereof. A mechanism is included for removably mounting the housing onto the recreational vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Ronald D. Lentz
  • Patent number: 7290362
    Abstract: A display provides a sign panel for use in displaying a sign. Pairs of first and second feet preferably extend downwardly from the sign panel and provide an adjustable width channel for connecting to a tailgate of a vehicle. A sign is supported by the sign panel and first and second shaft connectors receive a shaft having an ornament connected thereto, such as a flag or shaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: William Leonard Passmore
  • Patent number: 7287349
    Abstract: This system comprises a small advertising assembly that can be easily mounted onto the bed of a Low-Speed Electric Vehicle. The assembly includes an advertising display and a frame. The system allows for the advertising display to be attached in multiple positions such as: upright for viewing and stowed flat for transport. The advertising display has an internal light source and removable translucent advertising panels. This Low Speed Electric Vehicle Mobile Advertising System provides an advertising system that is mobile for both on- and off-road conditions, generates little or no noise or air pollution, and operates at pedestrian-friendly speeds to promote maximum exposure of the message being advertised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Autoflex, Inc.
    Inventors: Luis D. MacDonald, Randy M. Perry
  • Patent number: 7275340
    Abstract: A system for the framing and tensioning of flexible graphic and advertising displays on vehicles such as trucks, trailers and buildings including a low profile framing system comprised of a custom engineered single rail, designed for ease of installation, minimal impact on the surface of the vehicle, and optimal display of the graphics and advertisements. The top and front rails are attached to the vehicle while the rear and bottom rails are independent of the vehicle to effectuate tensioning and replacement of graphics and advertisements. Tensioning is accomplished through the use of a custom tensioning assembly consisting of a latch, an anchor plate, and a latch hook. The custom tensioning assembly is easily adjusted and firmly secured by the locking mechanism. Corner pieces placed over the four corners of the framing system prevent the introduction of air under the flexible display, thereby ensuring the integrity of the design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventors: Boyd Andrews, Kenneth Leahy
  • Patent number: 7231734
    Abstract: Disclosed is a display device, elongate mount, and display module for displaying alphanumeric information to passengers of a mass transit vehicle. The display modules are mounted along a single edge to a elongate mount. The elongate mount includes at least one end cap which is made of a vibration dampening material. The louver of the display device includes a substantially continuous pressure member in order to place substantially continuous elongate contact to an area of an LED board that houses at least one heating element. The at least one heating element is covered by a thermally conductive foam that transmits heat from the elements to a heat sink of the display module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Luminator Holding, L.P.
    Inventors: James Earl Gray, John Bartholomew Gunter
  • Patent number: 7213853
    Abstract: The current invention relates to a handle overlay configured to an existing vehicle door handle and a decorative design member affixed to the handle overlay. In addition, the decorative design member can be integrated into a handle overlay for the current invention. The invention also relates to a method for applying a cover to a vehicle door handle comprising the steps of taking a decorative design member and affixing the decorative design member to a handle overlay, wherein the handle overlay is configured to affix to a vehicle door handle and then affixing the handle overlay to a vehicle door handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Putco, Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Elwell
  • Patent number: 7204507
    Abstract: A ball hitch covering for protecting a ball hitch from the elements includes a cover that has a top wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends downwardly from the top wall. The peripheral wall has a bottom edge defining an opening into an interior of the cover. A ball hitch may be removably extended through the opening. A flap has an upper edge, a lower edge and a pair of lateral edges. The upper edge is attached to an outer surface of the peripheral wall. The flap extends below the bottom edge of the peripheral wall. Indicia are positioned on a forward surface of the flap that faces away from the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Bernell E. James
  • Patent number: 7178280
    Abstract: A display provides a frame having legs meeting at an upper end at a span. The lower ends of the legs terminate at feet which form a base and toes. The base and toes define a slot therebetween which cooperates with a leading edge of an access of one of a trunk of a vehicle, a tailgate of a trunk and a hatchback of a vehicle. The leading edge is received in the slot. A sign is supported by the frame and first and second shaft connectors receive a shaft having an ornament connected thereto, such as a flag or shaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: William Leonard Passmore
  • Patent number: 7171773
    Abstract: A display system for use with a trailer hitch, the display system including a banner and a frame to support the banner. The frame includes a pair of vertical frame members and a frame support is provided to support the frame. The frame support includes a first elongate member positionable adjacent the frame and configured for connection of the vertical frame members to the frame support, and a second elongate member extending from the first elongate member. A support connector is provided having a first portion thereof configured to receive the second elongate member of the frame support and a second portion thereof configured to be connectable with the trailer hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: William Luther Haggard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7168196
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a rotary device for external attachment to a vehicle, thereafter being operable for visually attracting attention to all or part of the vehicle, particularly when the vehicle is moving. In the most preferred embodiment, the rotary device attracts the attention of a casual observer via wind-driven rotational motion. In addition to the visual attraction caused by rotational motion, the rotary device can be shaped, decorated and strategically mounted to satisfy the particular attention-getting intent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Vincent John Milliken
  • Patent number: 7156044
    Abstract: An apparatus conjoinable to a vehicle antenna includes an anchor section formed from STYROFOAM (polystyrene) and provided with a vertically registered sleeve extending along a longitudinal axis. The sleeve extends upwardly from a bottom surface of the anchor and terminates subjacent to a top surface thereof. Coextensively shaped wing sections are conjoinable with the anchor section and equidistantly spaced about an outer surface thereof. A mechanism is included for positioning the apparatus about the vehicle antenna and allows for free rotation thereof in the wind. The apparatus positioning mechanism is disposed within the anchor section and is sized and shaped so that the anchor section can be maintained at a stable position during operating conditions. The apparatus positioning mechanism is formed from non-corrosive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: John W. J. Davis
  • Patent number: 7143533
    Abstract: A display device for a motor vehicle may comprise at least one housing configured to be disposed within an interior of the motor vehicle and at least one support removably mountable relative to the at least one housing and configured to support an item for display from the interior of the motor vehicle. When mounted relative to the at least one housing, the at least one support is configured to be selectively moveable between a first position wherein the at least one support is retracted within the housing such that the item for display is not viewable from outside the motor vehicle and a second position wherein the at least one support is extended outside the housing such that the item for display is viewable from outside the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Malcolm A. M. Burke
  • Patent number: RE40244
    Abstract: Improved vacuum actuated display ornaments which adhere to surfaces by self-suction are improved by a wall thickness at the center of mass thicker than their peripheral wall thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: We-Flex, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas M. Sheffield, Jr., Tamara K. Sheffield