Abstract: A system includes at least one light pipe, at least one light source disposed at least partially within an interior of the system, a lens substantially enclosing the interior, the at least one light pipe, and the at least one light source, the lens having a continuous transparent or translucent coating on the outer surface, with the at least one light source receiving electrical power from the electrical power source, the continuous transparent or translucent coating being at least partially permeable to at least some light which is emitted by the at least one light source and passed through the lens, and at least one mask located between the at least one light pipe and the lens, a plurality of small contact areas being provided on the outside or inside of the light pipe or on the mask.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a light source, a backlight module and a manufacturing method thereof and a display device. The light source includes a light-emitting element and a circuit board supplying power for the light-emitting element, the circuit board includes a first bottom plate and a first side plate, the first bottom plate and the first side plate are connected to form a bent shape, and the light-emitting element is arranged on the first side plate and located on an identical side of the first side plate with the first bottom plate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are lighting apparatuses that have an oblong optic that corresponds to a plurality of light sources. According to certain embodiments, a lighting apparatus includes a plurality of light sources that are arranged along a linear direction, and an optic that is configured to receive light from each light source of the plurality of light sources. The optic has an oblong shape with a long axis that is parallel to the linear direction, and the optic is configured to emit an output light beam that is substantially rotationally symmetric in a plane that is orthogonal to an emission direction of the plurality of light sources.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying LED logos and signs is disclosed. The method specifically allows for the display of LEDs from the exterior of a vehicle, utilizing different means of connection that are not contemplated in the art. The connection of the system to a vehicle can be facilitated via a trailer hitch receiver of a vehicle, a trailer outlet, a license plate receiving area, or other acceptable areas. The system can also allow for the interchangeability of LED displays for different events, such as sporting events, concerts, or in roadside emergency situations. The portability of the LED display can provide different use cases—vehicle mounting, over vehicle signaling, wall mounting, among others—that allow for an illuminated logo to be displayed by a user.

Abstract: A backlit operating portion of a control device includes a veneer having indicia defining an open portion exposing a backlit component, a floating portion, and one or more ribs that suspend the floating portion. The rib defines an upper surface recessed relative to a front surface of the veneer, and opposed sides that extend from a base of the rib to the upper surface, such opposed sides tapered between the base and the upper surface, such that the upper surface is narrower than the base.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a license-plate-sized enclosure that includes translucent and opaque films with personalized images and a printed circuit board. The license plate enclosure may incorporate shaped-arrays of LEDs that are substantially conformed to the shape of the translucent portions of the films and are used to illuminate the translucent portions.

Abstract: Apparatus to communicate a message to a vehicle exterior, comprising sheet metal box having vertical sides, cut-outs in one of the sides configured to communicate a message, colored translucent plastic material closely covering the cut-outs at the box interior, light means for substantially uniformly illuminating the plastic material, within the box, means to connect the box to the vehicle whereby the cut-outs face rearwardly of the vehicle.

Abstract: A license plate frame assembly a housing and a first plurality of lighting elements. The housing is adapted for mounting to a vehicle and has first and second generally opposed pairs of side members defining a central aperture dimensioned for a vehicle license plate to be visible therethrough. Each of the first pair of side members defines a first plurality of lighting element apertures therein. The first plurality of lighting elements is arranged in the housing under the first plurality of lighting element apertures, and mounted in the housing such that light emitted thereby from the first pair of side members is oriented along intersecting first axes at acute angles relative to a plane of the vehicle license plate.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A back-lit license plate for motor vehicles that includes a license plate that is at least partially translucent and which serves as a medium for carrying standard license plate information. A lighting source is positioned behind the license plate and when illuminated, operates to transmit light through the translucent portions of the license plate in such a manner that the carried license plate information can be perceived by a human eye in the dark. A diffuser between the lighting source and license plate may be used for distribution of the light energy.

Abstract: A license plate display system for a vehicle includes a license plate with a series of indicia on a base. One of the indicia and the base are one of translucent and transparent, and the other of the base and the indicia being opaque. The license plate display system also includes an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs), with the array containing at least one LED of a first color and at least one LED of a second color. The array transmits light to the license plate.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A license plate system for motorcycle, car, truck or boat including a row of lights supported along an edge of a clear plastic channel so that light from the row enters the interior of the pane through an edge surface of the panel. The front surface of the panel has an area that is textured to form the alpha-numeric characters of the license. The panel is sufficiently thin ( 1/8 to ½ inches) so that Light from the row of lights is confined between the front and rear surfaces of the panel except an area of the front surface that is textured. Therefore the contrast between the illumination of the textured area compared to the smooth area is very pronounced.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Combination light fixture/HVAC duct/ad card holder for transit vehicle has roof mounted light fixture having a housing extending inboard to receive roof fasteners readily accessible through a cover strip. A single panel provides ad display serves as air duct with air vents and is supported by a detachable hinge at the light housing. In another embodiment the lamp housing is below the card panel. Combination outboard extrusions form a wiring trough and attachment for duct lower wall, and inboard extrusions form detachable hinge, supporting display panel and card holder. Upper bracket extrusion receives panel and card. Extrusions are attached to display panel by double-sided adhesive tape. Light fixture has ballast member accessible from inside lamp housing.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A device and system for selectively obfuscating the specific indicia of at least one of a vehicle's license plates having a tinting plate that is capable of becoming opaque upon the input of energy and that fits over the indicia on the vehicle's license plate, a regulation means that controls the energy input into tinting plate, and an attachment means for attaching the tinting plate to the front of a vehicle's license plate.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A trailer hitch display apparatus having readily attachable/detachable display panels. Generally comprising a housing, a display panel and a connecting assembly. The housing generally carries a left turn signal, a right turn signal, a left tail light, a right tail light, a brake light, a protective cover and the display panel, wherein the turn signals, the tail lights and the brake light are electrically connected to the wiring of the vehicle to allow another rearwardly traveling vehicle to observe through the trailer hitch display apparatus any traffic signals or tail lights. The connecting assembly comprises a trailer-hitch attaching member dimensioned to be received within the receiving trailer-hitch member of the vehicle. A plurality of throughholes is provided in the trailer-hitch attaching member for inserting a retention pin to secure the two members together.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In an indicating instrument (1) with a translucent dial (8), an illuminated pointer (4) is arranged, out of the viewing direction of a viewer, behind the dial (8) on its rear, inner side (7). The surface of the outer side and/or of the inner side of the dial is reflection-reducing so as to enable the dial to serve the function of a covering glass.

Abstract: A transparent vehicle license plate cover member having an outwardly projecting curved shape is described exhibiting distinctive performance advantages when mounted on the vehicle. The mounted cover enhances aerodynamic operation of the vehicle while reducing glare when viewing the covered license plate.

Abstract: A trailer hitch accessory with a lighted sign, auxiliary brake lights, and a protective cover for a trailer hitch. A rectangular enclosure equipped with lights is fastened to a trailer hitch by a trailer hitch connection. The trailer hitch connection encloses and protects the trailer hitch from damage from the elements. The rectangular enclosure has lights contained therein, which are connected to the trailer hitch electrical connection by an electrical connector. A removable translucent sign may be placed within the enclosure to be backlit by one or more lights within the enclosure. When the operator of a vehicle activates his headlights, then lights within the enclosure come on lighting the sign for viewing at night. When the operator of the vehicle applies his brakes, it lights not only the brake lights on the vehicle, but also the auxiliary brake light panels on the enclosure.

Abstract: A display assembly is provided which will display a brightly lit message or design. The display assembly is particularly appropriate to show support for athletic teams. The display assembly is comprised of a frame which supports a message unit. The message unit is internally coated with a highly reflective material and includes a light source, a translucent colored lens imprinted with an image or design, and a clear lens cover to protect display assembly from moisture and road dirt. Both the clear protective lens cover and the colored transparent lens may be easily removed to allow the light source to be changed and the colored translucent lens to be exchanged.

Abstract: An improved illuminated license plate comprising a support, an electroluminescent sheet, and a facing sheet. The support includes a rigid, nonopaque plate. The rigid support plate has a front surface and a back surface. An electroluminescent sheet is mounted on the back surface of the support plate, preferably in a recess provided in the back surface for such purposes. The facing sheet is nontransparent and is affixed to the front surface of the support plate. The facing sheet also has indicia perforated therethrough such that light emitted by the electroluminescent sheet passes through the perforated indicia illuminating the perforated indicia in contrast to the facing sheet. Preferably, the novel license plates also comprise optional colored translucent sheets mounted on the support plate between the electroluminescent sheet and the facing sheet to vary the apparent color of the light emitted by the electroluminescent sheet. Also, the facing sheet preferably is suitable as a substrate for printed indicia.

Abstract: An illuminated vehicle display device comprising a flat back plate having a light source disposed thereon, and a front, box-like housing member which has a rearwardly disposed opening so that the housing member encloses the light source when it is detachably attached to the flat back plate. The front housing member has a partially translucent/transparent (i.e. partially non-opaque) panel disposed in a window defined through its front wall. A plurality of protruding tab members defined on the inside faces of one or more walls of the housing member coact with a plurality of corresponding slots defined in the back plate to simply, securely and detachably snap fasten the housing member to the back plate. Electrical power wires threaded through a hole in the back plate are used to connect the light source to an external power supply. The back plate is mountable to a vehicle license plate mounting assembly.

Abstract: A license plate sized, light-transmitting, indicia plate is uniformly illuminated and carried in the available license plate mounting area of a vehicle. The light-transmitting plate is spaced and supported from the vehicle, preferably by a housing and a lighting assembly is carried within the supporting housing and provides substantially uniform illumination of the indicia plate with a plurality of lighting devices, electrically and mechanically carried in a spaced array by the supporting means. The resulting illuminated display can provide an eye-catching and attractive decoration of the available license plate area of a vehicle with all of the various indicia used in the past by vehicle owners to advertise their associations with various organizations, or with clever slogans and statements, cartoons and other such alphanumeric and pictorial indicia.

Abstract: A license plate for Malaysian motorcycle, comprising a main body connected by two light-piercing boards together in a symmetric way, each with a full covering of 45.degree. prisms in more than one flight of stages on the back side; an opaque, white ground plate clamped therebetween; an opaque, blank vacant number plate connected to the main body front side respectively; a transparent waterproof hood enclosing them all, and a PC board which includes a plurality of small bulbs on it connected in a seat body for the main body. Upon energization of PC board, a license plate number in black-ground-white-letter style on either side of the license plate will be illuminated greatly and in even brightness.

Abstract: An illuminated display device for a motor vehicle. The illuminated display device (10) comprises a lamp housing (12) for being secured to the license plate support structure of a vehicle in lieu of a license plate, the housing (12) having a rear wall (16) engaging the license plate support structure and defining a forwardly disposed opening (14). The housing (12) also includes a lower portion provided with license plate support brackets for engaging and supporting a license plate. A display panel (42) is mounted in the opening (14), at least a portion of which is translucent, and a lamp (34) is mounted within the lamp housing (12) for illuminating the display panel (42).

Abstract: An illuminated license plate frame is provided with lights arranged in a cavity formed between first and second frame members. The first frame member is light transmitting and the second, outwardly facing frame member is opaque, so that the emitted light is indirectly transmitted through the light transmitting frame member to produce a soft glow illumination effect.

Abstract: A curable polymer composition for use in providing a dimensionally stable coating comprises a semi-interpenetrating polymer network. The semi-interpenetrating polymer network includes a reactive polymer component, cross-linking agent, and non-reactive polymer component. The non-reactive polymer component has a molecular weight of about 7,000-30,000, and preferably about 15,000. In preferred embodiments, the reactive polymer has a molecular weight of about 30,000-200,000, and preferably about 40,000-60,000. Spacecoat compositions made with formulations described, exhibit good long-term stability, and resistance to failure upon embossing of a substrate to which the retroreflective sheeting is applied.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sign holder comprising a housing including a back wall, opposed and spaced side walls extending from the back wall and opposed and spaced top and bottom walls extending from the back wall and from the opposed side walls, a first panel of light transmitting plastic removably supported by the housing and providing a second panel of light transmitting plastic removably supported by the housing in closely adjacent but rearwardly spaced relation to the first panel and in forwardly spaced relation from the rear wall to provide an illumination space, an indicia on the second panel preventing light transmittal there-through, and a light bulb in the housing rearwardly of the second panel for illuminating the space between the second panel and the rear wall, whereby the indicia on the second panel is visually observable by being outlined by illumination.