Abstract: A display system for use on the exterior of a vehicle having a display and a processor. The processor is configured to determine when the vehicle is stopped or in motion, such that the processor directs the display system to display an image based on that determination.

Abstract: License plate ends mount behind and extend laterally from a license plate to display a printed graphic about the license plate. The license plate ends each include a display panel, a mounting bracket, a spacer and at least one mounting orifice. The mounting bracket is parallel to and offset from the display panel; connected to each other by the spacer. The at least one mounting orifice traverses through the mounting bracket and is positioned opposite the display panel across the mounting bracket. The at least one orifice is aligned behind the mounting holes of a license plate such that an individual license plate end can be mounted between a license plate and a vehicle. The printed graphic is positioned in the front surface of the display panel such that the printed graphic is easily seen.

Abstract: A specialized fastener cover is suitable for attaching to a fastener used to attach one object to another. The fastener cover includes a decorative faceplate and a method of pivoting the faceplate between two positions. In one position, the fastener can be inserted into the two objects to hold the objects together, or can be removed from the objects to release them from each other. When the faceplate is pivoted to the second position, the decorative faceplate conceals the fastener. The fastener cover can be used to cover fasteners attaching a variety of objects to each other.

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: The present invention describes a customizable license plate holder. The device comprises a conventional license plate holder with an opening on the top and bottom, which enables a personalized message bar to be attached. The message bar can display a favorite quote, name of a sports team or team logos, or advertisements that marketers have requested or paid drivers to display. The message bar is inserted into the open slot from the top, and is secured by an arch at the back of the holder. The present invention can provide users with a fun and convenient way to display messages on their car's license plate holder. The device can allow people to personalize their vehicles without having to adhere a permanent bumper sticker.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mounting bracket for the license plate of a utility trailer. Conventional mounts position the plate below the taillights where the plates are frequently bent by contact with the ground either during towing or manipulation by the tongue. The present lit bracket extends upwardly from the tail light holes, or alternatively affixes to the back gate of the utility trailer, to position the plate out of harm's way.

Abstract: A specialized fastener cover is suitable for concealing a fastener used to attach one object to another. The fastener cover includes a decorative emblem and a method of pivoting the emblem between two positions. In one position, the decorative emblem conceals the fastener. When the emblem is pivoted to the second position, the fastener can be accessed so that it can be inserted in fastener receptacles in the objects to attach the objects to one another or removed from the fastener receptacles to separate the two objects. The fastener cover can be incorporated into an attachable object, such as a license plate frame to be attached to a vehicle.

Abstract: A license plate frame that allows for removable coupling of elements to the license plate frame. The license plate frame may include four borders that each include an outer frame lip and an inner frame lip extending outwardly from a rear surface of the license plate frame. The inner frame lip may include a plurality of equally sized notches adjacent one another. A removable element that includes a pin and a channel is removably coupled to the license plate frame by placing the pin within one of the plurality of notches and placing a portion of the outer frame lip within the channel of the removable element. The removable element may be moved by lifting the pin out of the notch and sliding the outer frame lip through the channel of the removable element before inserting the pin into a different notch.

Abstract: A license plate holder that removably secures a license plate within the license plate holder that includes a back plate secured to a vehicle bumper of a vehicle, a pair of hinges, a plurality of storage pockets covered with an adhesive plastic covering, a plurality of threaded attachment screws contained in the storage pockets and a front frame coupled to the front frame with the pair of hinges and a snap lock. The license plate holder also includes a plurality of advertisement indicia, a pair of support frame apertures, a first pair of back plate apertures and a second pair of back plate apertures and a pair of support tabs used to support the license plate within the license plate holder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a frame for attaching a license plate or novelty plate to a vehicle, with the capability of attaching an emblem to the frame in a desired location chosen by the user from multiple possible points of attachment. Multiple receptacles may be formed in the frame, each suitable for receiving and tightly holding an protuberance extending from an emblem, so that the emblem may be attached to the frame wherever there is a receptacle. Alternatively, a separate clip may be placed behind the frame, with prongs extending forward around the frame to attach to an emblem in any position on the frame where the clip is located. The position of the emblem on the frame may be shifted up and down or side to side. The emblem may also be removed and repositioned in a new position selected by the user.

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: An interchangeable display system for attachment to a motor vehicle is presented. The display system can be used in a hitch cover, a license plate frame, or other systems that are attached to vehicles for the purpose of displaying desired indicia. In one aspect, the display system has a body configured for attachment to a portion of a motor vehicle and a display member for displaying the indicia. The body defines at least one display recess. The display recess is sized to accept the display member.

Abstract: A vehicle display bracket system for mounting and displaying three-dimensional ornamental objects on the back or front of a comprising at least one and preferably a plurality of three-dimensional ornamental designs having an exterior threaded post for facilitating mounting to a bracket system comprising a bottom support plate, top plate rotatably mounted to the bottom support plate, rod, mounting aperture defined by the top plate for mounting any of the various ornamental attachments a plurality of gear teeth and grooves for fixing the top plate at a desired angle relative to the support plate.

Abstract: A license plate security frame comprises a solid inner back plate that is secured to a vehicle and a outer front rim hinged to it that traps the license plate and covers the mounting screws. Hinges at the bottom allow the inner back plate and outer front rim to open like a clamshell, and a cylinder lock mounted at the top to the outer front rim engages a lock pin mounted to the inner back plate. Clear corner covers are included to protect any stickers on the caged-in license plate, and are attached inside the outer front rim in the appropriate corners. The main surface of the license plate including the license numbers and their background are exposed through the middle of the outer front rim.

Abstract: A holding device attaches to the license plate screw bosses of a vehicle in the usual way and has a first receptacle with a first pair of slots for receiving a temporary driving tag and a second pair of slots, behind the first pair, for receiving an advertisement plate of the dealer. A second receptacle has an actuator that dispenses an information disc through a slot upon the depression of a switch. A delay circuit may provide a time delay between disc dispensing cycles. A lamp is controlled by a depression switch located within the first pair of slots so that a plate acts on the switch in order to illuminate the lamp for night test driving, which illumination may be overridden by a photoelectric cell for daytime use. Posts extend rearwardly of the second receptacle and have ears with openings through which screws pass and the screws received within the bosses. A stabilizer bar also extends rearwardly of the second receptacle.

Abstract: A display panel for attachment to a license plate holder having a plurality of mounting holes. The holes are dimensioned and located to align with one or more of the mounting holes of a standard U.S. license plate. The panel is installed by aligning at least one of its mounting holes with the holes in the license plate and then mounting the license plate with the display panel partially behind it on a license plate holder. The panel has an exposed portion that laterally flanks the license plate. A method for mounting the display panel and a kit employing the display panel are also disclosed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A license plate frame that provides great versatility in displaying a user-changeable message on a portion thereof. The design provides a channel adapted to receive individual, planar tiles, each typically bearing indicia. Blank spacer tiles may also be provided but, because of the novel locking mechanism, are unnecessary. Tiles may bear indicia consisting of letters, numerals, punctuation marks, symbols, phrases, or other graphics such as logotypes. Also because of the unique tile locking mechanism, tiles may have varying width and it is unnecessary to pad out an entire row of tiles. This allows, among other things, the use of proportional type fonts. Secure channel end locks keep tiles from being easily removed, thereby preventing theft or vandalism. The combination of tile locking and channel end locks provide a rugged system that may withstand automated car washes and other environmental onslaughts.

Abstract: The mounting assembly of a license plate includes a license plate having at least one fastening aperture, a frame, on one side of which the license plate is mounted, a fixing member located at the other side of the frame, opposite to the license plate, and a fastening mechanism for coupling the license plate and the fixing member to the frame. The frame is provided with an opening and a shock-absorbing member fitted into the opening. The license plate is fastened to the frame by attaching the license plate to the shock-absorbing member.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system and method of incorporating a vehicle license plate into a larger, final message by attaching one or more message panels to all exterior of a motor vehicle, such as the bumper, in combination with a license plate of the motor vehicle. At least one message panel is attached to the exterior of the motor vehicle adjacent to a license plate. File message panels may be in sign, sticker, or magnet form and may be place before, alter above, and/or below the license plate. The message panels may have message panel background designs or additional text that continues the license plate background design and/or message. For example, a first message panel stating a global computer network address prefix, e.g., “www.”, may be placed before a license plate while a second message panel stating a global computer network address suffix, e.g., “.com”, may be placed after the license plate to convey a global computer network address to a viewer.

Abstract: A novelty device attaches to the exterior of a motor vehicle, with an upwardly extending arm producing a passive lateral oscillation due to vehicle motion to simulate a wagging animal tail. The device includes a base plate which attaches to the vehicle between a license plate mounting area and the license plate, with a bracket extending outwardly from the plane of the plate. A laterally flexible arm is attached to the distal end of the bracket. A fabric or plastic sleeve resembling an animal tail may be installed over the arm, so the covered arm resembles the tail of a team mascot animal or the like. The flexibility of the arm may be adjusted or varied by providing a series of bends at the base of the arm or elsewhere along the arm, and/or providing a bobweight at the distal end of the arm or elsewhere along the arm.

Abstract: A stock license plate frame (20) is shown having a customizing logo (38) and trademarks (40). Attachment holes (42, 44, 46, and 48) are provided in the top and bottom cross members (22 and 24). The logo (33) and trademark (40) are mounted on plates (39) having pin 41, 43, 47, and 49) on the back which fit into holes in the frame. Retainer clips (64) pushed onto the pins help retain the logo and trademark on the frame.

Abstract: An accent bar for personalizing a license plate while securing the license plate within the mounting bracket of a vehicle. The accent bar includes an elongate structural member with mounting loops or holes for mounting the accent bar on the top, the bottom, or both portions of the vehicle mounting bracket. The elongate structural member only extends across the top or bottom or both of the license plate and does not extend all around the plate as with frames. An accent or display element is provided in the bar, either integrally or separately with the elongate member, to provide a graphical or textual display. When two accent bars are utilized, the accent or display elements may combine to form a single accent or display feature. The materials, sizes, and shapes of the accent bar and the accent elements may be varied to create numerous vehicle accents and messages.

Abstract: A license plate frame (10) that includes a first horizontal section (14) having a pair of mounting tabs (22) and a second horizontal section (16) having a pair of indicia emblems (44). The-design of the frame (10) allows the frame to be attached to a vehicle license plate (80) in either of two selectable positions: in the first position the frame (10) is attached to the vehicle with the pair of emblems (44) located on the lower section of the frame; in the second position the frame (10) is attached to a vehicle with the pair of emblems located on the upper section of the frame.

Abstract: I Christopher William Bryant of Indian Head, Md. have invented a device called the “Bumper Buddy”. The reason for the name “Bumper Buddy” is because it helps protect the bumper of your Automobile from unsightly, hard to remove parking lot stickers or decals. This new device attaches to the license plate of a car and you can apply parking lot stickers, business, school and military decals to this device without having to attach them to your automobile's bumper. The “Bumper Buddy” is a small aluminum or plastic plate that is attached to the two bottom holes of the license plate of a car. The “Bumper Buddy” is available as a blank plate or a logo or name can be printed on the plate.

Abstract: The present invention is an RV license plate frame which has an integral holder for an RV sticker. In a preferred embodiment, the RV sticker holder is a horizontal, clear plastic cylinder removably enclosed in a housing which is connected to the license plate frame. To use, the RV owner removes the plastic cylinder from the housing, and inserts the RV sticker into the plastic cylinder with the display surface of the RV sticker showing outwardly through the clear plastic. Then, the owner replaces the plastic cylinder within its housing on the license plate frame. This way, there is provided an effective and economical means for displaying an RV sticker and vehicle license plate at the same time.

Abstract: The present display is comprised of a first mounting bracket with holes spaced for attaching to a license plate on a vehicle. An arm is attached to the first mounting bracket. A first snap buckle is attached to an outer end of the arm. A display panel has a lower edge attached to a second mounting bracket. A second snap buckle is attached to the second mounting bracket. The display panel is attached to the vehicle by connecting the first and second snap buckles together. The display panel is easily detached or replaced by disconnecting the snap buckles. In a second embodiment, a flag is attached to a third snap buckle for being detachably connected to the first snap buckle.

Abstract: The present invention is a locking device having a renewal sticker theft prevention window locking device that is applicable for license plates which display such renewal stickers in any corner of the license plates. The license plate locking means has the lock shackle positioned such that it would not be readily attachable or exposed to cutting such as by a hacksaw or other cutting device-that is the lock shackle is protected therefrom by enveloping the shackle in a protected enclosure.

Abstract: A vehicle billboard which permits the removable attachment of a sign-bearing billboard to the existing license plate frame of a vehicle. The billboard is fixedly mounted to a supporting frame and has a flat surface upon which a design may be affixed, drawn or otherwise displayed. A pair of brackets join the supporting frame and billboard to a license plate frame via screws or rivets. The billboard and supporting frame may be interchanged with other billboards and the entire apparatus including the mounting brackets may be easily attached to or removed from a vehicle.

Abstract: Automobile dealers and auto body shops, frequently move dealer license plates between vehicles in their inventory or between vehicles temporarily in their care. They like to advertise their company name on these vehicles while they are being driven.

Abstract: A variable number plate fixing frame is provided with a pair of symmetric side brackets which are removably attached to a main frame body. A number of different spare side brackets are provided so as to permit a person to vary the appearance of the fixing frame for a change by simply replacing the side brackets with other ones without detaching the screw secured number plate. Each side bracket is provided with a tenon at each end thereof which is in tight engagement with a mortise disposed on each end of a receiving cavity disposed at the right and left side of the main frame body and having a shape conforming to that of the side brackets so that the brackets can be firmly and replaceably disposed therein. The upper and lower edges of the main frame body is provided with a recess in which different decoration stickers can be disposed just for a change in the appearance of the fixing frame.

Abstract: A personalized vehicle emblem secured to a vehicle license plate holding structure with mounting hardware. The emblem has a generally circular shield that has inscribed personalized information. A circular body located in a central recess of the shield carries various symbols. The plate holding structure has a rectangular frame having inwardly directed ears. The ears accommodate fasteners for attaching a license plate to the frame. Flat walls of the frame hold the license plate in a recessed location. The mounting hardware has one or more brackets secured to the plate holding structure. The brackets are adapted to support the emblems.

Abstract: A frame comprising upper, lower, and side bars outlines a space to display a license plate. At least one of the bars, preferably the lower, has a depressed track in which a number of message elements or strip is carried which bear message indicia on its front surface. The track has upper and lower lips depending from and extending up from respectively the upper and lower margins of the track. A resilient, transparent cover slipped between the lips holds the message elements in place against the track back and with the indicia exposed to view. The lips may be frangmented into one or more sections, and only one lip may serve. The number of message elements may be reduced to a single, integral strip.

Abstract: An improved method for fastening a license plate or a cover plate for a license plate to a vehicle and apparatus therefor includes use of a plurality of two-part separable fasteners. A first part of each fastener is secured to, or actually comprises, the head of each of the bolts which are provided to hold the license plate to the vehicle. The second part of each fastener is secured to a back side of the plate to be secured to the vehicle and positioned to mate with its respective first part in a friction-fit relation. When a cover plate for a license plate is so mounted, it is placed in an overlying relation with respect to the license plate.

Abstract: A bumper sticker holder for automobiles and the like has a mounting element adapted for attachment to a bumper by adhesive and mounting a holder element in adjustable pivotal position for receiving and retaining bumper sticker or signs with a transparent front face exposing the contents.

Abstract: A frame for a license plate is provided that includes a plurality of detachable display panels. The frame includes an upper and lower member interconnected by a pair of spaced apart side members. An elongated slot is formed in each of the members, and a display panel may be removably positioned in each slot by a pair of set screws.

Abstract: A closure for a large sized opening in a pressure vessel has a lid longitudinally movable between an open covering position in which it is aligned with the opening but spaced apart from it, and perpendicularly displaceable between the covering position and sealing position in which it engages the sealing edge of the opening. The lid is moved by a hydraulic or pneumatic ram between the open and covering positions and is carried by rollers mounted on shafts affixed to the lid which run on longitudinal support surfaces. The shafts are rotatably mounted in bearings fixed to the lid and are coupled together for simultaneous rotation, while the rollers are eccentric relative to the bearings. The ram applies torque to the shafts in one sense during closing movement of the lid and in the opposite sense during opening movement of the lid.

Abstract: An advertising device carrying a name on the scraper plate and having an attachment bracket which can be used as a stake to fix the bootscraper to the earth. The same attachment bracket can also fasten the name-bearing plate to the license plate support of a vehicle.