Illuminated Patents (Class 40/204)
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Patent number: 11142141Abstract: A digital license plate comprising includes a display system capable of showing a first image and a power supply rail connected to the display system. A display controller is provided with a data connection to the display system and arranged to measure at least one of power consumption and impedance of the power supply rail. The display controller is further configured to prevent sending a second image to the display system if display failure is indicated by measured power consumption or impedance as being below a defined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2020Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Inventor: Todd Christopher Mason
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Patent number: 10962702Abstract: An input device includes: a light source that emits light; a first sheet including a design portion; a second sheet having a conductive pattern on which the light source is mounted and in which a touch sensor electrode is disposed in a position different from the light source; a body that is sandwiched between the first sheet and the second sheet to be integral therewith, and transmits the light emitted by the light source; and a guide disposed in a light path from the light source to the design portion, the guide guiding light transmitting through an inside of the body toward the design portion and being distinguished from the body. The light source and the light guide are disposed along a surface of the second sheet on a side facing the body. The body is integral with the light source and the light guide and encapsulates them.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2019Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Shigeru Yamane, Hideaki Eto, Wahei Agemizu, Masahiro Kasano, Go Nakatani, Hiroshi Morioka
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Patent number: 10434961Abstract: Adjustable license plate brackets for vehicles comprising a first bracket element that is secured to a vehicle; a second bracket element having an upper end to be connected to a license plate and a lower end disposed upon the first end of the first bracket element; and a third bracket element having an upper end to be connected to a license plate and a lower end disposed upon the second end of the first bracket element. The second bracket element and the third bracket element are configured to be connected to the first bracket element at a plurality of positions, implemented using an elongated aperture with a plurality of notches into which a bracket element connector can be inserted, respective so that a distance between the upper ends of the second and the third bracket elements varies to accommodate license plates with different sizes.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2018Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventor: Scott Hu
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Patent number: 10081295Abstract: A badge is provided herein. The badge includes a housing having an integrally formed first layer and second layer. A light source is disposed within the badge. A first photoluminescent structure is disposed between the light source and housing. The first photoluminescent structure is configured to emit outputted light in response to inputted light emitted from the light source. The outputted light exits the housing through a light transmissive portion. A substrate is attached to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2015Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Paul Kenneth Dellock, Michael A. Musleh, Stuart C. Salter, Brian Siler, Harry Lobo
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Patent number: 10064694Abstract: A tray for a medical device assembly includes a tray body, a tray lid, and a connector arm. The tray body and the tray lid each have a first surface, a plurality of walls extending from the first surface, and an open end opposite the first surface. The connector arm is coupled to the tray body or the tray lid, and has a first position that permits the separation of the tray body and tray lid, and a second position that couples the tray body to the tray lid.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.Inventor: Colm Connolly
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Patent number: 9655198Abstract: A method of operating an organic light-emitting component having first and second electrodes that have arranged between them an organic functional layer stack having at least one organic light-emitting layer that, during operation, produces light emitted via a luminous area, the first and second electrodes and the organic functional layer stack are in an extensive form, in contact with the first electrode, at each of two opposite edges of the first electrode a respective conductor track is arranged that extends in a longitudinal direction along the respective edge, the two conductor tracks have contact made with them on a same side of the first electrode by a connection element so that during operation there is a voltage drop in each conductor track in the longitudinal direction, which voltage drop brings about a luminous density gradient on the luminous area in a direction following the longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2014Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: OSRAM Oled GmbHInventors: Benjamin C. Krummacher, Erwin Lang, Ulrich Niedermeier, Thorsten Vehoff
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Patent number: 9211850Abstract: A license plate frame comprising a license plate frame body defining a centrally located substantially unobstructed registration plate viewing area therethrough. The unobstructed viewing area is defined by a continuous interior peripheral edge. In one embodiment, a license plate peripheral support wall extends rearward from a mounting or rear surface of the frame body. The peripheral support wall is sized and shaped to nest with a peripheral edge of a registration plate. The peripheral support wall may be setback from the interior peripheral edge forming a plate surface retention lip. One or more retention tabs extend inwardly from the support wall, each forming a gap between a tab exterior surface and the retention lip or the continuous peripheral edge. The registration plate is positioned between the tab exterior surface and the retention lip. The assembly is affixed to a vehicle by inserting fasteners through apertures in each of the registration plate and the retention tabs.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Inventor: Edward J. Marko, Jr.
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Patent number: 9035547Abstract: An electroluminescent arrangement is described. This electroluminescent arrangement comprises the following functional layers: (a) rear electrode as layer A; (b) dielectric layer as layer B; (c) electroluminescent layer as layer C; and (d) cover electrode as layer D.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2013Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: EFL Holdings Tech B.V.Inventors: Thilo-Josef Werners, Michael Heite, Helmut Mäuser
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Publication number: 20150075042Abstract: Document display systems including an enclosure including a first surface, a second surface spaced from the first surface, a top edge connecting the first surface and the second surface, a bottom edge opposite the top edge and connecting the first surface and the second surface, a first lateral side connecting the first surface, the second surface, the top edge, and the bottom edge, a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side connecting the first surface, the second surface, the top edge, and the bottom edge, and a cavity bounded by the first surface, the second surface, the top edge, the bottom edge, the first lateral side, and the second lateral side; a light source mounted within the cavity; and a fastener removably attached to the first surface and configured to selectively fasten the enclosure to a window of a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2013Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventor: Justin Ebensteiner
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Patent number: 8887421Abstract: A multi-image license plate assembly having a series of horizontally disposed rotating display members operably controlled by a rotational drive mechanism. The drive mechanism can be a series of gears, pulleys, belts, chains, a worm gear assembly, or other means. The horizontally disposed rotating display members rotated about a horizontal axis. The rotating display members preferably have three image surfaces. An image is segmented, with each segment applied to a respective image surface of each of the display members, such that when the image surfaces are aligned, the complete image is displayed. The image can be applied directly to the rotating member or applied to an insert. An adapter mount is provided for fastening the multi-image license plate assembly to a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Inventor: Robert Halula
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Publication number: 20140259819Abstract: A self-contained, internally illuminated custom license plate that enables trouble free usage in automotive applications due to the internal location of the light source. The integration of the light source allows the plate to be visible both day and night. An exemplary embodiment of the illuminated custom license plate includes a transparent plate with desired text, graphic or logo etched therein, a light source, a front cover, and a power cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: Jason B. Dalpra
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Patent number: 8827518Abstract: A universal automotive light includes a main housing constructed and arranged for accommodating a stop/tail/turn light assembly, a pair of opposed side marker apertures disposed on either side of stop/tail/turn light assembly, and a side marker light assembly constructed and arranged for engagement in a selected one of the side marker apertures.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Tiger Accessory Group, LLCInventors: Thomas Smith, Steve Rovtar, Chris Riley
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Patent number: 8544198Abstract: The present device relates to a license plate holder, and more specifically to a license plate holder with illumination for attachment to remote locations on a vehicle. The license plate holder includes a backing plate sized for attachment of a license plate. A support member extends outwardly from the backing plate and is sized and shaped for insertion into a boat rod holder. A self-contained electrical system is included in the license plate holder for illumination of the license plate. The self-contained electrical system includes at least one LED, a switch, an electrical storage device and at least one solar panel. The illuminated license plate holder may be mounted on a watercraft while being hauled on a trailer so that the license plate is not subject to scraping, mutilation, or destruction; as typically occurs when a license plate is affix to a trailer.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Inventor: David Iverson
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Publication number: 20130221839Abstract: An electroluminescent arrangement is described. This electroluminescent arrangement comprises the following functional layers: (a) rear electrode as layer A; (b) dielectric layer as layer B; (c) electroluminescent layer as layer C; and (d) cover electrode as layer D.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: Bayer MaterialScience AGInventors: Thilo-Josef Werners, Micahel Heite, Helmut Mäuser
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Publication number: 20130031814Abstract: This invention relates to motorcycles and more specifically custom motorcycles that have added a special rear fender that has a curved license plate recess that is built into it. This license plate frame is curved and fits into the recess of the custom fender that is located away from the taillight which traditionally is the light source for the license plate. The license plate that it surrounds is illuminated independently by waterproof flexible strips of white light LED's that are attached with an automotive grade double sided tape to the inside edge of the frame and because they are flexible, take the curved shape of the frame. The LED's are spliced into the vehicle's tail light wiring system and are energized from the motorcycle battery when the tail light is on.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Inventor: Kenneth Wayne Puccio
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Patent number: 8250793Abstract: A multi-image license plate assembly having a series of horizontally disposed rotating display members operably controlled by a rotational drive mechanism. The drive mechanism can be a series of gears, pulleys, belts, chains, a worm gear assembly, or other means. The horizontally disposed rotating display members rotated about a horizontal axis. The rotating display members preferably have three image surfaces. An image is segmented, with each segment applied to a respective image surface of each of the display members, such that when the image surfaces are aligned, the complete image is displayed. The image can be applied directly to the rotating member or applied to an insert. An adapter mount is provided for fastening the multi-image license plate assembly to a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2010Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Inventor: Robert Halula
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Publication number: 20110289806Abstract: The present invention discloses a brightening rectangular hollow frame for license plat. The brightening rectangular hollow frame for license plat at least comprises a rectangular hollow frame, and a plurality of light-emitting elements. The mentioned rectangular hollow frame and light-emitting elements can be used to adorn a license plate, and the containing of the license plate will not be covered by the brightening rectangular hollow frame for license plate according to this specification at all.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventor: Stanley Kuo
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Publication number: 20110239495Abstract: This invention relates to motorcycles and more specifically custom motorcycles that have added a special rear fender that has a curved license plate recess that is built into it. This license plate frame is curved and fits into the recess of the custom fender that is located away from the tailight which traditionaly is the light source for the license plate. The license plate that it surrounds is illuminated independently by waterproof flexible strips of white light LED's that are attached with an automotive grade double sided tape to the inside edge of the frame and because they are flexible, take the curved shape of the frame. The LED's are spliced into the vehicle's tailight wiring system and are energized from the motorcycle battery when the tailight is on.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventor: Kenneth Puccio
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Patent number: 8016467Abstract: The present invention provides a license plate assembly comprising: (i) a housing comprising a back plate and upstanding side walls defining a cavity; (ii) a light guide having first and second major sides that are opposite to each other and one or more side faces defining a thickness of side light guide, said light guide being disposed in said housing and being arranged on said back plate of said housing; (iii) a light source mounted along one or more side faces of said light guide; (iv) a transparent and retroreflective license plate mounted on said first major side of said light guide; and wherein a cushioning layer is provided between said back plate of said housing and said light guide.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Arnold Eberwein
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Publication number: 20110078933Abstract: An electronic license plate and information processing system allows for a vehicle license plate to serve not only the purpose of identifying a specifically associated vehicle, but to also serve as a media for publishing temporal messages specifically associated with the vehicle or its locale. A license plate assembly consisting of a microprocessor chip in communication with a radio frequency transponder serves to control a light emitting diode matrix or other similar display and to publish messages therethrough in accordance with data and commands received from the transponder. The various information sources, including a department of motor vehicles, law enforcement, insurance records, and public service agencies are capable of communicating with the electronic license plate through encrypted transmission. The control server is interposed between these various sources and the interactive license plate for effecting the desired transmission and receipt of data and commands.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2009Publication date: April 7, 2011Inventors: Jason J. Lukawitz, Robert C. Stevens
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Publication number: 20100307038Abstract: The present device relates to a license plate holder, and more specifically to a license plate holder with illumination for attachment to remote locations on a vehicle. The license plate holder includes a backing plate sized for attachment of a license plate. A support member extends outwardly from the backing plate and is sized and shaped for insertion into a boat rod holder. A self-contained electrical system is included in the license plate holder for illumination of the license plate. The self-contained electrical system includes at least one LED, a switch, an electrical storage device and at least one solar panel. The illuminated license plate holder may be mounted on a watercraft while being hauled on a trailer so that the license plate is not subject to scraping, mutilation, or destruction; as typically occurs when a license plate is affix to a trailer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventor: David Iverson
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Publication number: 20100299978Abstract: An electroluminescent arrangement is described. This electroluminescent arrangement comprises the following functional layers: (a) rear electrode as layer A; (b) dielectric layer as layer B; (c) electroluminescent layer as layer C; and (d) cover electrode as layer D.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2008Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: Bayer MaterialScience AGInventors: Thilo-Josef Werners, Michael Heite, Helmut Mäuser
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Publication number: 20100180476Abstract: A method and system for an illuminated display. The display can include a first image that may be illuminated by a light source and a second image that may be illuminated by a light source. The light source may be a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and the LEDs and uniform illumination may be achieved through the use of waveguides. Additionally, the display may be such that it is flexible and that it may be mounted in any of a variety of locations and onto any of a variety of objects.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2007Publication date: July 22, 2010Applicant: AVERY DENNISON CORPORATIONInventors: David Charles Welch, Peter Servaas
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Publication number: 20100132232Abstract: The invention relates to a license plate for vehicles that comprises a light guide comprising a matrix of a transparent polymeric material A having distributed therein particles of a material B for scattering light within the light guide. The license plate further comprises a retroreflective sheet having a retroreflective face that faces a first side of the light guide. The invention provides for an optimized illuminated license plate, and methods of making such license plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2008Publication date: June 3, 2010Inventor: Ruediger T. Frisch
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Publication number: 20090300953Abstract: The present invention provides a semi-transparent retroreflective material having a retroreflective side (16) and an opposite rear side (17), the retroreflective material having a regular or irregular two dimensional pattern of transparent and opaque areas, said retroreflective material comprising a layer of transparent microspheres (20) and a reflective layer located functionally behind said layer of transparent microspheres, said reflective layer comprising a regular or irregular two dimensional pattern of metal areas (11) of contiguous metal and open areas (12) having substantially no metal, wherein open areas (12) of said reflective layer correspond to transparent areas of said retroreflective material and metal areas (11) of said reflective layer correspond to opaque areas of said retroreflective material and wherein said transparent microspheres (20) are present in said transparent and opaque areas and wherein said transparent areas comprise at least 5% of the total surface of said retroreflective materType: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2006Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventors: Ruediger T. Frisch, Michael Jost
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Patent number: 7551088Abstract: The present invention consists of an electronic vehicle tag (EVT), which is preferably 12×6 inches. It consists of an encasement mountable by 4 screws to a motor vehicle. The front face is comprised of an electronic paper display technology, which requires no power consumption to maintain its image. The electronic paper display will hold a high resolution full color graphic design relating to the vehicle tag selected and tag information depending on the state of issuances requirements. The display is reflective and can be easily read in sunlight or dimly lit environments and at virtually any angle. The plate has an electronic paper technology for display, wireless communication transmitter/receiver, logic board for electronic paper manipulation, high impact encasement, and a battery pack. The battery pack is used to change the display when required. The electronic vehicle tag is independent of the vehicle in which it is attached.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2007Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Inventors: W. David Findlay, Brian Bannister
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Patent number: 7430822Abstract: A license plate frame design for providing a thin visually appealing motor vehicle accessory that illuminates advertising text and or a design comprises recessed strip lighting illuminating through recessed color tinted transparent material and through the said advertising test and or said design held or sealed into place by means of a backing plate with a direct current inverter attached by means of lead wires to said motor vehicles controllable direct current power source and to said strip lighting by means of lead wires. Providing the motor vehicle operator to transmit direct current from said motor vehicle when desired, to the said license plate frame to add visual appeal by illuminating their said advertisement and or said design. Thus a very thin and visually appealing motor vehicle accessory is provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2007Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Inventor: David M. Combs
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Patent number: 7401427Abstract: A bracket for mounting a front license plate to an automotive vehicle that does not have an integrally designed and designated front license plate mounting location embodied as part of the front exterior of the vehicle that includes an associated integral license plate mounting mechanism, but does have existing, integral apertures in the body of the vehicle located behind and below the front grille of the vehicle which are used to secure a body panel to the vehicle. The bracket has a detachable body having a mounting surface adapted to receive a license plate, two arms that attach to the body and extend from the rear of the body. The two arms can attach to the body in either of two distinct positions, either with the top of the body facing up or with the top of the body facing down.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2005Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Inventor: Carl Alfred Zander
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Publication number: 20080120875Abstract: An automobile license plate frame includes an auxiliary lamp unit assembled on the surface of the license plate frame. The auxiliary lamps assembled on the license plate frame are able to flash synchronously together with the directional lamp or the brake lamp of the automobile to enable the driver of the automobile coming from behind to clearly and quickly know the moving conditions of the automobile in front.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2006Publication date: May 29, 2008Inventor: Pao-Hsin Yen
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Patent number: 7303309Abstract: A backlit sign with an LED module, with a housing that includes a top wall having a first length, a bottom wall having a second length, and a pair of opposing sidewalls each having a third length, wherein at least a portion of one of the sidewalls is translucent. One or more LED modules are mounted to the top wall and include a plurality of LEDs for producing light. The first, second and third lengths are selected to maximize illumination of the sidewalls by the produced light, and to minimize a width and weight of the sign. A mirror can be used to increase the reflectivity of the bottom wall.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2004Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Leotek Electronics CorporationInventors: Chen H. Wu, Steve Bacilieri
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Patent number: 7217024Abstract: An optical dispersion system comprising a light source where light is directed to be illuminated from the system, a prismatic magnifier to expand a coverage area of the light illuminated from the light source and to deflect and magnify the light, and a removable front panel having a cutout area through which the light source illuminates.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Inventors: Mark Good, John Good
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Patent number: 7160007Abstract: A license plate light includes a bottom base, an intermediate member, a support frame, a light base and a light cover. The bottom base is fixed with an automobile body or the license plate, and the intermediate body is fixed on the bottom base. The support frame is fixed on the intermediate member, and the light base is supported on the support frame at an intermediate height, having a circuit board with plural LED fixed and sealed in the interior hollow of the light base to make them waterproof. The light cover closes the rear side of the support frame and the light base. The support frame and the bottom base are positioned in an acute angle to let the LED in the light base incline downward so that the light of LED may shine slantingly downward through a lens to shoot on a license plate positioned under the license plate light.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Lucidity Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ko-Chuh Pan
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Patent number: 7080918Abstract: An illuminated frame for displaying items, includes a first compartment, a second compartment, a divider, and an LED light source. The first compartment displays items. The second compartment houses the light source. The divider separates the first compartment from the second compartment, wherein the divider is made of a light impermeable material and has an aperture for allowing light to pass from the second compartment to the first compartment.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2002Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Inventors: Elvis C. Rowland, Jr., Maurice L. Porter, Robert C. Henson
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Patent number: 6928760Abstract: A sandwich structure is formed by a base layer and a protective layer that are assembled together through the interposition of a spacer layer therebetween, in such a manner as to form a tightly sealed, insulated hollow space, in which high-luminosity LEDs are arranged to illuminate the number plate through transparent portions of the protective layer. The LEDs are adapted to be connected to a power supply through conductive paths provided on the inner surface of the base layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Plastal S.p.A.Inventors: Frederico Bincoletto, Giovanni Garbet
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Patent number: 6874922Abstract: The illumination device comprises at least one light source, and a light pipe positioned at the front side of a license plate, and a light diffusing means. A light of the light sources is led, the light pipe emitting a leading light from the surface of the license plate face. The light emitted from the observed face is diffused by the light diffusing means. The light diffusing means is provided with, rugged portions of an observed face opposite to a light emitting face, or, a light diffusing layer composed of two or more kinds of light transmitting materials, refractive indexes of which are different each other, on the observing face, and a light led from a light leading face is reflected and diffused on the light diffusing layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2002Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihiro Matsuura, Tadanobu Iwasa, Akihiro Misawa, Yasumasa Tatewaki
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Publication number: 20040231209Abstract: An illuminated vehicle sign for signaling following motorists. The illuminated vehicle sign includes a housing, electrical power device, activating device and illuminating device. The housing has a face plate, back plate, signal receiver, integrated timer circuit and peripheral wall which extends between and is integrally coupled to the faceplate and backplate. The signal receiver and integrated timer circuit are mounted between the face plate and back plate. The face plate has illuminated Alpha-numeric characters which are illuminated upon activation of the activating device. The illumination of the Alpha-numeric characters is activated from a portable transmitter through a receiver and integrated timer circuit which subsequently activates the illuminating Alpha-numeric characters. The illumination of the Alpha-numeric characters can be powered by either battery or by means of the vehicular electrical system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2003Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventor: Ernest H. Love
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Patent number: 6799877Abstract: An emergency light signal adapted to be mounted to a motor vehicle using at least one motor vehicle license plate mounting bolt. The light signal is comprised of a signal housing having at least one high-intensity light-emitting diode deriving power from circuitry which when activated from within the passenger compartment of a vehicle, generates a brilliant flashing signal to draw the attention of nearby vehicles or pedestrians. The switch within the passenger compartment may be hardwired to the signal hot using or alternatively may be activated by remote control. The light signal may draw power from either the vehicle's own battery, or may be powered by a separate voltage source.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Don't Die, LLCInventors: Leslie Watkins, Michael Alerich
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Patent number: 6796060Abstract: A vehicle license plate holder assembly with roadside assistance request mechanism that includes a vehicle mountable housing assembly having a back lighted “HELP” sign and a pivoting license plate bracket having two pivoting arms each pivotally connected at a housing connection end to the vehicle mountable housing assembly. The license plate support plate is moveable between a “HELP” sign covering position and a “HELP” sign revealing position. The back lighted “HELP” sign includes a light source operable in either a continuous or a blinking mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Inventors: David Meester, Rick Sain
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Publication number: 20040079009Abstract: Generally, in one embodiment, a license mounting plate, configured for adapting to a vehicle, comprises a mounting member, a license holding member and holding members. The mounting member is designed to attach to a rear of a vehicle. The license holding member is designed to hold a license plate. The holding members are adapted to securely support a pair of turn signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Marcel G. Arrua
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Patent number: 6698118Abstract: A plate such as a motor vehicle licence plate comprises a casing which includes a flat rear wall surrounded by a forwardly projecting edge defining a light transmission opening, through which a flat symbol carrier extending parallel to the rear wall of the casing is visible. The symbol carrier has regions of differing transparency to represent symbols thereon. An electrically activatable light film between the rear wall and the symbol carrier shines light through the symbol carrier from the rear. To provide retroreflective properties, arranged in front of the light film and parallel thereto is a film which extends at least over considerable parts of the area of the light transmission opening and which is at least partially transparent for the light from the rear and which is retroreflective for light impinging thereon from the exterior. A light cover which is transparent at least in region-wise manner closes the light transmission opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Fer Fahrzeugelektrik GmbHInventors: Martin Tietze, Peer Quendt, Frank Gotthardt
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Patent number: 6681507Abstract: A license plate mounting bracket for mounting a license plate or other decorative plate to the vertical guide rollers on a winch includes a frame, a back plate, eight nut and bolt assemblies, and two clips. The frame is shaped and dimensioned for receiving a standard license plate. The back plate, which is flat and the size of a standard license plate, is bolted into the frame. The four nut and bolt assemblies bolt the frame, a license plate and the back plate together with the back plate positioned behind the license plate. The two clips extend from the backside of the back plate and are shaped and dimensioned to clip to the vertical guide rollers of a winch.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2003Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Inventor: Christopher W. Lieziert
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Publication number: 20040010951Abstract: A sandwich structure (5) is formed by a base layer (2) and a protective layer (4) that are assembled together through the interposition of a spacer layer (3) therebetween, in such a manner as to form a tightly sealed, insulated hollow space (13), in which high-luminosity LEDs are arranged to illuminate the number plate through transparent portions (14) of the protective layer (4). The LEDs are adapted to be connected to a power supply through conductive paths (20, 21) provided on the inner surface of the base layer (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: Frederico Bincoletto, Giovanni Garbet
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Publication number: 20030227780Abstract: A licence plate adapted for illumination comprises: an opaque face plate having outward-facing and inward-facing faces, and cut-out areas corresponding to numerals, letters, symbols or designs; and a translucent, heat-deformable backing plate heat-pressed against the inward-facing face of the face plate to force portions of the backing plate into the cut-out areas; such that when the licence plate is illuminated from a point inward of the backing plate, the portions of the backing plate within the cut-out areas are illuminated for viewing from a point outward of the face plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2002Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventors: Arai Katsuo, Enomoto Toshinori, Bounnakhone J. Suyavong, Kham Jimmy Chounpanh
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Patent number: 6526680Abstract: A license plate holder for use on a vehicle has a frame that holds and displays a vehicle license plate on the vehicle. A plurality of red light emitting diodes (LEDs) is mounted around the perimeter of the frame. They are connected to the brake light circuit of the vehicle to light up when the brakes are applied. A lesser number of non-red LEDs are also disposed around the perimeter of the frame. These are connected to the running light circuit of the vehicle. They may be multi-colored or of a single color such as blue or green.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2002Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Electra Accessories Inc.Inventor: David Yu
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Patent number: 6412202Abstract: A signage display for a vehicle having a hitch receiver is provided that includes a frame defining a placard receiving area. A tongue is coupled to the frame that extends rearwardly from the frame and away from the receiving area. The tongue is adapted to be received within the hitch receiver of the vehicle. A placard is removably coupled to the frame within the placard receiving area of the frame. The signage display may thus be removably coupled to the hitch receiver of the vehicle. The vehicle owner may change the placard within the receiving area to display a variety of messages, thus alleviating the problem associated with conventional bumper stickers. In one embodiment, the frame is provided with a light socket and light that allow the placard to be illuminated.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1999Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Bragtag, Inc.Inventor: Jon W. Oswood
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Patent number: 6098855Abstract: A system for mounting a spare tire and a license plate to a motor vehicle includes a tire mounting member having a bracket fixedly attached to a rear surface of the motor vehicle. The system further includes a license plate carrier pivotally connected to the bracket for rotation about a pivot axis. The license plate carrier includes a display portion oriented in a substantially vertical plane and spaced from the rear surface of the motor vehicle. A plurality of threaded shafts rearwardly extend from the tire mounting member for mounting the spare tire thereto. The license plate carrier includes a boss portion for receiving one of the threaded shafts to thereby selectively prevents rotation of the license plate carrier about the pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Norbert E. Grabowski, Joseph M. Geraci, Timothy W. Anness, Carl Mather
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Patent number: 6079136Abstract: A lighted messaging system that is attachable to a vehicular trailer hitching assembly and can provide suitable protection for the open hitch after the ball is removed. This system utilizes all of the various components of a conventional trailer hitch after the ball joint element is removed therefrom and serves not only to provide an attractive and useful means of communication or advertisement and the like, but also to cover up exposed parts of the trailer hitch after the ball joint element is actually removed. Trailer hitches that use the so-called "draw-tight" system are preferred. Messages in the form of writing or drawings and can encompass any desired communication. Since the messaging system employs a light system, they can be illuminated for better visibility during all light conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Parting Gestures, Inc.Inventor: Norman A. Kozlarek
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Patent number: 5934798Abstract: A lamp assembly for illumination of a vehicle license plate includes a substrate, a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on the substrate, and a lens for directing the light emitted from the light emitting diodes onto the license plate. A housing encases the substrate and the lens. An attachment member fixedly secures the housing to a vehicle displaying the license plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1997Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Truck-Lite Co., Inc.Inventors: Philip C. Roller, Ronald D. Madison
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Patent number: 5666749Abstract: An automobile display plate protector and display assembly comprises a rear mounting box capable of being affixed directly onto an automobile license plate receiving mount and having a reflective interior surface, at least one light bulb mounted within the box by a standard light bulb fixture, a means for providing electrical power to bulb comprising a wire connected to a power source, and a shield assembly comprising an inner translucent shield and an outer translucent shield plate capable of receiving an automobile license plate intermediate to them, the inner and outer shield plates are outwardly bowed thereby forming a curved rather than a flat front surface, and the shield assembly being attachable to the box.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1995Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Inventor: Ronnie Waters
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Patent number: 5572812Abstract: A number plate including luminous characters is usually mounted below head lamps of a vehicle. As essential components, this number plate includes a front plate having a plurality of character portions punched therefrom, a plurality of characters each molded of a transparent or translucent synthetic resin and adhesively fitted into the character portions, a plurality of light emitting diode assemblies arranged on the rear surface side of the front plate at the positions located corresponding to the character portions, a cover secured to the rear surface of the front plate and having the light emitting diode assemblies accommodated therein, and a plurality of base boards having the light emitting diode assemblies arranged at the positions located corresponding to the character portions. In addition, the cover includes a support member for supporting the base boards which are connected to each other in the side-by-side relationship.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1994Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Assignee: World Auto Plate Ltd.Inventor: Masaaki Mastuoka