Interior Mounted Patents (Class 40/593)
  • Publication number: 20090293330
    Abstract: An article of manufacture (there is no known previous technology) for use in marketing, advertising, and promotion, known as the “Fan-Express” for displaying a driver's support and/or affiliation with a sports team, university, private club, business, religious institution, political party or candidate, or displaying any message on electronic toll collection devices that are mounted on the windshields of motor vehicles that is uniquely designed so that it requires no glue, adhesive, or similar substance to afix to the electronic toll collection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Charles Vincent Curley, Ethan Nahum Halberstadt
  • Patent number: 7624524
    Abstract: A one-way vision perforated display panel that includes a transparent protective envelope having at least one open side edge and an adhesive applied to at least a portion of an outwardly-facing side of the envelope defined by a front sheet for adhering the envelope to an inner surface of a transparent support panel, and a one-way vision, perforated sheet having a display image on one side for being inserted into the protective envelope through the at least one open side edge with the display image visible through the outwardly-facing side of the envelope and the transparent support panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: East Coast Perforating, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Mullins
  • Publication number: 20090288322
    Abstract: A method of displaying an advertisement on a seat or meal tray of vehicle, including seats or meal trays of an aircraft, watercraft, automobile, or train. Though others have displayed an advertisement on a meal tray of a vehicle, this application describes specific locations of placement on a seat or meal tray, which are both novel and not obvious. Moreover, this application expresses a novel manner of placing and connecting an advertisement to a meal tray or seat of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Francesca G. Farmer-Luczak
  • Patent number: 7622169
    Abstract: An emblem assembly of an automobile is disclosed. Because a pad and a thin plate are fabricated as separate components and then fixed to a cover, a symbol formed on the thin plate can be effectively exposed to a user through respective material colors of the pad and the thin plate themselves. In addition, since the pad is made of the plastic material, different from the other pad made of the conventional metal material, the circumferential edge portion of the pad would not be torn as in the related art although the thickness of the circumferential edge portion is relatively thick, and the difference of material colors between the pad and the thin plate can enhance the conspicuousness characteristics of the emblem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyung Kwan Oh
  • Publication number: 20090255157
    Abstract: Provided is a signboard for use in a vehicle, which is installed in the rear portion of the inside of the vehicle to thus deliver a message to a driver or passengers in other vehicles which follow. The vehicle signboard includes a support member having a support plate which is adhered on one side of the inner surface of a rear glass window in the vehicle and a support bar supported by the support plate; a display unit connected to the support member; a motor unit which is fixed to the support member and makes the display unit connected with a rotating member rotate; and a power supply unit which supplies electric power to the motor unit. Accordingly, the vehicle signboard provides an effect of conveying the proper expressions such as thanks and sorry to the drivers and passengers in the other vehicles which follow without obstructing the driver's rear field of view during running.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Young Gon Kim
  • Publication number: 20090241391
    Abstract: A vehicle height display system has an information displaying sheet, pre-printed indicia disposed on the information displaying sheet and a variable information field immediately adjacent the variable information field indicia. The information displaying sheet is made of a flexible material with a front side and a rear side. The rear side is configured to cause the information displaying sheet to adhere to a windshield of a vehicle when the rear side of the information displaying sheet is brought into contact the windshield. The pre-printed indicia is readable from the front side of the information displaying sheet, specifies non-variable information associated with designating an overall height of a vehicle and includes variable information field indicia configured for having the overall height of the vehicle displayed therewith. The variable information field is immediately adjacent the variable information field indicia and is configured for having the overall height of the vehicle displayed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Don Franklin Sanford
  • Patent number: 7591096
    Abstract: A device for displaying a disability parking certificate placard in a vehicle, with the device being movable from a storage position to a display position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas A. Krinke, Alvern J. Krinke
  • Patent number: 7575349
    Abstract: A CHMSL (16) or other lighting system feature of an automobile (10) includes a feature for presenting personal expressions in the form of words or symbols but is automatically deactivated when the regular vehicle lighting system is in use. The personal expression is fixed in a tangible medium by way of phosphor-coated indicia (34) placed within a UV impervious housing (18). A secondary UV light source (36) selectively energizes the phosphor-coated indicia (34) so that the irradiated material glows and is visible through a light transmissive screen (20). The light transmissive screen (20) is provided with a UV blocking agent so that harmful UV rays do not escape the housing (18). The phosphor-coated indicia (34) can be mounted on a removable transparent plate (30), on light dispersion optics (24, 26), or on the inner face of the light transmissive screen (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Lloyd Keith Bucher, James Burr Anderson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7555858
    Abstract: A kit for use in securing a vehicular handicap permit to the interior of a vehicle windshield so that the permit is visible through the windshield includes a strip having Velcro on one side and a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the opposite side. The kit also includes a permit holder with pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side and a Velcro strip on the opposite side. The holder is secured to the permit by folding the holder so that two sections of the adhesive coating face one another and pressing the two sections against two sides of the permit adjacent to edges of the permit. The Velcro on the exposed side of the holder may then be secured to the Velcro on the strip, which is attached to the windshield by its pressure-sensitive coating so that the permit hangs downwardly behind the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventors: James L. Gerback, legal representative, Robert Binder
  • Patent number: 7492582
    Abstract: A portable computer includes a base unit with a motherboard secured thereto, a display unit pivotably attached to the base unit and having a recessed portion formed in an outer surface thereof, a solar cell module accommodated in the recessed portion, and a latching device installed on the display unit. Positive and negative first contacts are set in the recessed portion and electrically connected with the motherboard. The solar cell module includes a solar panel for converting solar energy to electricity. Positive and negative second contacts are set on the solar cell module and electrically connected with the solar panel. The second contacts are electrically connected with the corresponding first contacts to transmit electricity to the motherboard. A notch is defined in the solar cell module. The latching device includes a latching portion engaging in the notch, thereby securing the solar cell module to the display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Szu-Wei Kuo
  • Patent number: 7422648
    Abstract: A sticker assembly is disclosed and includes an indicia-bearing sticker (30) having an adhesive layer (34). A vinyl film (100) is provided having a first side (102) and a second side (104), the second side (104) having a low-tack adhesive (106) thereon. The first side (102) of the vinyl film (100) is adhered to the adhesive layer (34) of the sticker (30). The second side (104) of the vinyl film (100) is applied to a receiving surface (12) and held against the surface (12) by the low-tack adhesive (106) wherein the vinyl film (100) and the sticker (30) are releasably adhered to the receiving surface (12) and wherein the indicia-bearing sticker (30) is displayed for viewing. In one embodiment, the sticker (30) is a vehicle windshield sticker and the receiving surface (12) is a vehicle windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Lemeer Design, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Peter K. Kassab
  • Patent number: 7422259
    Abstract: A display system on mobile system includes a mobile, platform, a hanging rail, a plurality of display boards, a hanging roller device, and a spacer. The hanging rail is provided across the display space. The hanging roller device, for each of the display board, has two rollers connected with a connecting bar, a board holder fixed to the connecting bar at a first end and fixed to the top edge of the display board, and a neck portion provided at the board holder. The display system may further include a chain for connecting and tugging the display boards; a motor for tugging the chain along with the connected display boards; and a motor controller for controlling the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Sung Wan Ban
  • Publication number: 20080189999
    Abstract: A method of presenting sales information to an automobile customer on an automobile having a window that may be slid vertically within a window frame. The method uses an informational slip and a slip holder sized to accept the information slip. The slip holder includes a clip defines a downwardly facing open channel and a tongue extending downwardly from the front wall. Also, a sheet of resiliently deformable material is attached to the tongue and bent backwards at a bending point defining the sheet holder bottom and a rear panel extending upwardly from the bending point. The informational slip is placed on the car window so that information is displayed through the front portion, which is transparent. The clip is formed so as to press the sheet into the window, thereby acting to reduce gaps between the informational slip and the front panel and, as a consequence, enhancing slip visibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Robert J. Peterman
  • Patent number: 7389602
    Abstract: A handicap placard holder and method of use comprising a display surface for the placard, triangular side panels on sides of the display surface and bent at an angle from the display surface, means for holding the placard in place on the display surface, and means for attaching the holder to a dash of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony Simoes
  • Publication number: 20080120879
    Abstract: A placard holder device that removably holds for display an informational placard that can be viewed through the windshield of a parked vehicle, and which enables simple and quick manual repositioning into a stored position that does not obstruct the line of sight through the windshield. Only a single action step is needed to make the placard visible or invisible. The device features: a frame that removably holds the placard for display, a mounting body having a hinged connection to the frame, a clasp distal to the hinged connection for releasably clasping the frame to the body, and a clip for removable attachment to a visor of the vehicle. Examples of informational placards include: handicapped or parking passes; identifications of a parked vehicle of a member of the media/press, or of a delivery service; placards that display information about a vehicle at a car show or dealership.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: John Massaad
  • Patent number: 7373745
    Abstract: A placard holder device that removeably holds for display an informational placard that can be viewed through the windshield of a parked vehicle, and which enables simple and quick manual repositioning into a stored position that does not obstruct the line of sight through the windshield. Only a single action step is needed to make the placard visible or invisible. The device features: a frame that removeably holds the placard for display, a mounting body having a hinged connection to the frame, a clasp distal to the hinged connection for releasably clasping the frame to the body, and a clip for removable attachment to a visor of the vehicle. Examples of informational placards include: handicapped or parking passes; identifications of a parked vehicle of a member of the media/press, or of a delivery service; placards that display information about a vehicle at a car show or dealership.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: John Massaad
  • Patent number: 7337566
    Abstract: A display being installed in a display unit of a automotive vehicle is tiltably fixed on a fixing frame. The frame has a concave portion on its lower member. The concave portion contains a lower end of the display. A drain is disposed in the concave portion in order to drain away a spilt liquid to an outside of a vehicle when the spilt liquid on a surface of the display collects in the concave portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinichi Inayoshi
  • Publication number: 20070277412
    Abstract: A structural device to which is fastened planar displays or frames to support planer displays and the structural device attaches to a vehicle so as to support planar displays or frames to support a planer displays in the plane parallel to or near parallel to the rear or front surfaces of the vehicle. The structural device is comprised of a singular structural member or a plurality of concatenated structural members that are static, exhibit rotational or linear articulation, or exhibit rotational and linear articulation. The structural device attaches to the vehicle by means its structural members and its securing devices. The structural device is placed on the vehicle or parts attached to the vehicle. The securing devices attach to the vehicle and are manipulated to provide forces which in conjunction with the structural members fasten the invention to the vehicle or parts attached to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Michael V. Haubert
  • Publication number: 20070175076
    Abstract: An indicia displaying interior rearview mirror device including a fastener to secure the rearview mirror device to a bracket of a interior rearview mirror. The rearview mirror device includes a display panel on which indicia may be displayed and a air freshener may be housed. The rearview mirror device may be oriented in a variety of different positions for viewing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: James Calvin Stanley
  • Patent number: 7213833
    Abstract: An emblem is disposed on an external surface of a module cover of an airbag apparatus. The emblem has a narrow width portion and at least two wide width portions with the narrow width portion in between. The emblem includes a reinforcing member disposed on a backside thereof and extending through the narrow width portion to the wide width portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Ichiro Amamori
  • Patent number: 7143533
    Abstract: A display device for a motor vehicle may comprise at least one housing configured to be disposed within an interior of the motor vehicle and at least one support removably mountable relative to the at least one housing and configured to support an item for display from the interior of the motor vehicle. When mounted relative to the at least one housing, the at least one support is configured to be selectively moveable between a first position wherein the at least one support is retracted within the housing such that the item for display is not viewable from outside the motor vehicle and a second position wherein the at least one support is extended outside the housing such that the item for display is viewable from outside the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Malcolm A. M. Burke
  • Patent number: 7121028
    Abstract: A dedicated information display in a vehicle is provided, the display having a rearview mirror with a reflective surface. The display also includes a label having an adhesive side and a display side, and a size and a shape that covers a portion of the reflective surface of the rearview mirror. The adhesive side of the label is affixed to the rearview mirror such that the rearview mirror is converted into an effectively dedicated information display. The information display may also be constructed using an electronic display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark V. Shoen, Robert A. Dolan, Rodger A. Ueland
  • Patent number: 7104599
    Abstract: A folding table for the rear of a backrest, the table having a surface with a depression therein in which a carrier for visible material, like an advertisement, is disposed. The carrier is received in an undercut in the depression. Alternatively, a frame around the edge of the carrier has projections received in grooves in the table for holding the frame and thereby the carrier to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignees: E.I.S. Aircraft GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Berger, Hans-Jörg Brandt
  • Patent number: 7080764
    Abstract: A combination for use in a motor vehicle comprises a sealed housing containing a transponder circuit suitable for interacting with an automated toll gate system, a cover that coordinates with the motor vehicle in accordance with at least one prescribed criterion, and an engagement means affixed to the cover and configured for engaging the transponder housing such that the housing and cover are affixed to one another. A method for mounting such a transponder within an automobile is provided in which a cover is provided that coordinates with the automobile in accordance with at least one predetermined criterion, the cover is engaged to the transponder housing whereby the cover and transponder housing are affixed to one another, a location in the automobile is selected for mounting the transponder, and the cover and transponder are mounted to the automobile in a single action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Linda McNicholas
  • Patent number: 7020992
    Abstract: A message display assembly for a vehicle that includes a display for displaying illuminated letter and numeral indicia. The display includes a housing that has a top wall, a bottom wall and a display screen that is mounted in the housing and extends between the top and bottom walls. A mounting is attached to the display for selectively attaching the display to an inner surface of a vehicle rear window. An input assembly is electrically coupled to the display for selecting word indicia that is then transmitting to the display so that the selected word indicia is displayed on the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Joel A. Christie
  • Patent number: 6951291
    Abstract: A display system for a shopping mall or retail store environment includes a platform, a plurality of kiosks mounted on the platform, each of the kiosks including a base, a raised drum having a plurality of lights arranged in two concentric sets, and at least three panels illuminated by the lights and disposed between the base and the drum and extending radially outwardly from a central vertical axis, a podium disposed adjacent the platform and defining a workstation, a first spar connecting the drum of a first kiosk with the drum of a second kiosk, and a second spar connecting the drum of the first kiosk with the podium, with each of the first and second spars including a first end, a second end, and an uninterrupted display surface extending from adjacent the first end to adjacent the second end, the display surface arranged to receive indicia, each of the first and second spars further arranged to support electrical cable to thereby permit an electrical connection between each of the kiosks and the podium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: George Kleanthis
  • Patent number: 6907685
    Abstract: A portable display unit is provided that illuminates a symbol formed by the unit. The display unit has a body substantially forming the symbol, which has an outline surface for receiving a rope light. The outline surface defines an inner region of the symbol and at least a section of the body substantially fills the inner region. The display unit further includes a rope light attached to the outline surface and connected to a power cord, as well as a hanging element attached to the body for removably attaching the unit to a support surface. The body and rope light may have various colors to enhance the symbol or represent colors for the logo formed by the symbol. In one embodiment, the body defines a channel and the outline surface forms a surface of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Lighted Logos, L.C.
    Inventors: Jason R. Falkner, Paul Lankford, Scott L. Biron
  • Patent number: 6899391
    Abstract: A seat back for a chair has a support panel to contact a seated person and a flap that extends from the top of that support panel to which advertising is attached. The flap folds over the back of the top of the support panel and presents the advertising to a person seated behind the chair fitted with the seat back. The seat back is particularly useful to convey advertising messages in stadium settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventors: Lewis Schneller, Ingrid Schneller
  • Patent number: 6886282
    Abstract: A display holder for attachment to an interior of a vehicle. The display holder is capable of slidably receiving a display. The display holder comprises a rectangular window plate comprising a front edge, rear edge, first side edge and second side edge. A first mounting plate is attached to the first side edge wherein the window plate and the first mounting plate form a first elongated slot there between. A second mounting plate is attached to the second side edge wherein the window plate and the second mounting plate form a second elongated slot there between. An end cap is attached to the interior and overlays the front edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventors: Robert E. Sumner, III, Libby F. Morgan, William R. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 6871434
    Abstract: An indicator including a transmittable indicator panel attached to a shielding holder (a housing), and a character or a graphic form indicated inside the indicator panel. The character or the graphic form is irradiated by a light emitting diode located inside the housing. The indicator panel is formed by a character indicating part that indicates a character or a graphic form and transmits light, a masking part that intercepts light by surrounding the character indicating part, and a transmittable margin that surrounds the masking part and transmits light. With this configuration, a character or a graphic form becomes conspicuous during the daytime, and at night is never more conspicuous than is required. Thus, the visibility of the indicator can be improved. Moreover, the configuration of the transmitting light from the light source of the indicator allows it to be accommodated in the limited space available on the indicator panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sumiko Sunaga, Takeshi Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 6848966
    Abstract: A visual stimulation attachment for amusing an infant riding in a child safety seat or child in a vehicle that has headliner includes a visually-stimulating background member and an attachment device (e.g., a micro-hook material) secured to the background member and operable to releasably couple the background member to the headliner of the vehicle. The visual stimulation attachment may have one or more tether lines with a dangling member attached to it. A method of amusing an infant with a visually stimulating attachment and of manufacturing a visually stimulating attachment are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Cheryl L. Wells
  • Publication number: 20040231210
    Abstract: A solar powered window ornament including one or more photovoltaic cells used to power a drive mechanism that rotates at least one wheel for a vehicle body. The vehicle body is removable attached to a frame adapted to secure to a window. The vehicle body may be selected from a variety of available vehicles to allow replacement of different vehicle bodies. In one embodiment, the vehicle body displayed may be a three-dimensional NASCAR model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Brian Mathew
  • Publication number: 20040226205
    Abstract: This invention consists in the preferred embodiment of a device consisting of a rubber cap for instrument stalk (104) with variable diameters for different car makes and models, one or more stalk extender sections (106) of standard diameter, a lights on label (108) saying ‘lights on!!!!’, a snap-on twistable end with ball shelf (112), a ball string (116), a ball string length adjustor (120), a fuzzy lights on ball (124), which is an add-on device to existing motor vehicles to give an indication of a driver leaving a vehicle with the head-lights left in the on position. A first alternative embodiment is specifically designed for indicating to the driver that sports equipment is still loaded overhead on a roof-top sport's rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin Kawakita
  • Publication number: 20040221498
    Abstract: A device that is removably attachable to an interior surface of an automobile. The device includes a body portion defined by a planar surface area. A spring-clip fastening structure is attached to the body portion. The spring-clip functions to fasten identification information, such as a security pass, to the body portion. The body portion is provided with a beveled area, which area has an opening formed to receive a suction cup. The suction cup is employed to attach the device to an interior surface of the automobile. The planar surface area of the body is utilized to display advertisement media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Gregory Vico, Paul Vico
  • Publication number: 20040182508
    Abstract: An advertising placard (20) having a substrate (30) and coloration material (34) is utilized to provide an unobtrusive and nondistracting advertisement on internal viewing surfaces (22) in commercial aircraft passenger cabins (24). The substrate (30) is preferably thin and transparent, and the coloration material (34) preferably has substantially the same color hue as the viewing surface (22) to which it is applied. Further, the coloration material (34) preferably has a color lightness within approximately &Dgr;7 of the color lightness of the viewing surface (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: William R. Apel, Thomas C. LeTourneau
  • Patent number: 6789339
    Abstract: The apparatus is an internally illuminated message display, predominantly for an automobile, and is readily adaptable for any window display. The apparatus comprises of a cylindrical lightweight molded plastic housing, with an interior reflective paint or reflective material, a light socket and light bulb. A snap on sleeve contains a slot for the insertion of a translucent disk. Said disk contains various messages and/or art symbols. The sleeve has a hinge connecting it to an adjustable oval transparent suction cup frame. The oval transparent suction cup attaches to the frame and spans the face of the display with the lip of the suction cup circumnavigating the outer edge of the frame. Hinged adjustment is made for attachment to an aerodynamic sloping automobile rear window, and is stabilized with a snap on rod from sleeve to suction cup frame. The gap created from adjustment between the sleeve and frame is covered with an opaque thin snap on plastic sock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Janis Blease
  • Publication number: 20040172872
    Abstract: A flag waving apparatus having a source of electrical energy and an on/off switch for initiating and ending the operation of the flag waving apparatus, the flag waving apparatus comprising a housing member, the housing member having positioned therein an electric motor attached to a sliding pivot to which there is attached a flag pole receipt conduit which extends upwardly through a slot in the top panel of the housing member, the housing member further having a light source positioned therein, the flag pole receiving conduit for the slidable insertion of the flag pole into the conduit, the conduit reciprocating in an arc of less then 180 degrees, the housing further having a removable panel having a message thereon back lit by the light source and a suction cup member mounted to each end panel of the housing, the suction cup member pivotal from a horizontal engaging orientation to a vertical or angular engaging orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Witkowski
  • Patent number: 6760989
    Abstract: A badge is disclosed having a metallic emblem having a thickness about 0.01 to about 1 mm, adhesively attached to a mounting frame by an adhesive polymeric resin having a Shore D hardness about 20 to about 90. Also disclosed is a vehicular sub-assembly including a substrate with the badge attached thereto. Methods of making the badge and the sub-assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Peterson, Theodore J. Hoke, III, Mark E. Kassman
  • Publication number: 20040107617
    Abstract: A dedicated information display in a vehicle is provided, the display having a rearview mirror with a reflective surface. The display also includes a label having an adhesive side and a display side, and a size and a shape that covers a portion of the reflective surface of the rearview mirror. The adhesive side of the label is affixed to the rearview mirror such that the rearview mirror is converted into an effectively dedicated information display. The information display may also be constructed using an electronic display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: U-Haul International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark V. Shoen, Robert A. Dolan, Rodger A. Ueland
  • Patent number: 6745925
    Abstract: An automatic toll detector case, formed of flexible material, has sidewalls, front and rear walls, a bottom wall, and a folding cover. The cover folds so that an extended portion of the rear wall folds over the open top of the case to enclose the toll detector. The cover is fastened to the case by a hook and eye fastener. The case is mounted to the interior of the vehicle's windshield by suction cups attached to the flexible material of the case with an E clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Walter Brzyski
  • Patent number: 6729056
    Abstract: A vehicle display unit includes a ground of light color and a mark of light color on the ground. An edge of the mark is colored so that coloring of shading-off is applied onto the edge of the mark such that a portion nearest to the mark is colored darkly and the ground side is colored lightly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Satoshi Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20040079847
    Abstract: A mounting device and method for mounting an electronic toll payment pass to the interior of a vehicle's windshield. The device is comprised of a flexible support substrate having a face surface and a back surface. The face surface of the flexible support substrate is attached to the glass of the vehicle's windshield, wherein the flexible support substrate conforms to the curvature of the windshield. The electronic toll payment pass is connected to the back surface of the flexible support substrate in a manner that allows the electronic toll payment pass to be easily installed and removed by the driver of the vehicle. The flexible support substrate preferably contains a display image. The display image is visible through the glass of the windshield and obstructs the viewing of the electronic toll payment pass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew Tatta
  • Publication number: 20040074124
    Abstract: A miniature sports logo display is disclosed. It allows a miniature sports team uniform, together with the team logo, the team color, a player's name and a player's number to be publicly displayed from a motor vehicle window. The invention is comprised of a miniature sports uniform having the described features and adapted to receive a miniature hanger, a miniature hanger inserted into the uniform for suspension of the uniform, and means, such as a suction cup, for securing the miniature hanger and uniform to a substantially vertical surface, attached to the hook of the miniature hanger. Optionally, the miniature sports uniform may be covered with a transparent cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Roman Andrys
  • Patent number: 6708433
    Abstract: A portable display unit is provided that illuminates a symbol formed by the unit. The display unit has a frame that forms an inner portion of the symbol and a backing sheet in the shape of the symbol that substantially covers the inner portion. The display unit further includes a rope light that surrounds the backing and thereby outlines the symbol. The rope light includes a power cord and a power connector for connecting to a power supply. The backing and display unit may have various colors to enhance the symbol or represent colors for the logo formed by the symbol. The display unit also includes hanging elements for removably attaching the unit to a support structure. In one embodiment, the hanging elements include suction cups for attaching the display unit to a window of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Lighted Logos, L. C.
    Inventors: Jason R. Falkner, Paul Lankford, Scott L. Biron
  • Publication number: 20040035039
    Abstract: A display box for displaying a photograph and holding an E-Z Pass unit therein and attaching it to a windshield of a vehicle. The display box includes an open side for receiving the photograph and the E-Z Pass unit; a front panel having an open window for displaying the photograph; and a back panel having two spaced-apart openings for receiving therethrough attachment strips of the E-Z Pass unit for removably attaching the display box to the windshield of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Laszlo Bilinszky
  • Patent number: 6682389
    Abstract: A visual stimulation attachment for amusing an infant riding in a child safety seat or child in a vehicle that has a headliner includes a visually-stimulating background member and an attachment device (e.g., a micro-hook material) secured to the background member and operable to releasably couple the background member to the headliner of the vehicle. The visual stimulation attachment may have one or more tether lines with a dangling member attached to it. A method of amusing an infant with a visually stimulating attachment and of manufacturing a visually stimulating attachment are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Cheryl L. Wells
  • Patent number: 6663063
    Abstract: A mounting device and method for mounting an electronic toll payment pass to the interior of a vehicle's windshield. The device is comprised of a mounting structure having a face surface and a back surface. The face surface of the mounting structure is attached to the glass of the vehicle's windshield. The electronic toll payment pass is connected to the back surface of the mounting structure in a manner that allows the electronic toll payment pass to be easily installed and removed by the driver of the vehicle. When the electronic toll payment pass is attached to the mounting structure, the mounting structure is interposed between the glass of the windshield and the electronic toll payment pass. The mounting structure preferably contains a display image. The display image is visible through the glass of the windshield and obstructs the viewing of the electronic toll payment pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Andrew Tatta
  • Patent number: 6658775
    Abstract: A toll pass display assembly comprises a mounting plate, a suction cup and coupler. The mounting plate is fabricated of a relatively hard material and has a generally rectangular configuration. It has a front surface and a rear surface. There is a long top edge with a parallel bottom edge and two parallel side edges there between. There is next provided a suction cup which is fabricated of a flexible elastomeric material. The suction cup has an internal generally spherical concave surface and an external generally spherical convex surface with a round circumferential edge there between. Lastly, there is provided a suction cup coupler. The coupler is fabricated of the same type of flexible elastomeric material as the suction cup and formed integrally therewith. The coupler has a front section coupled to the mounting plate. A pair of hook and loop fastener strips are coupled to the front surface of the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony Lanzisero
  • Patent number: RE39594
    Abstract: A triangle road sign having a bottom rack, a left frame bar and a right frame bar respectively pivoted to two distal ends of the bottom rack and detachably coupled to each other to form a triangle rack with the bottom rack, a device for securing the triangle rack to the inside of a car, indicator lights respectively installed in the bottom rack, the left frame bar and the right frame bar and controlled to flash by a control switch at the bottom rack, a solar collector installed in the bottom rack to collect solar energy and to convert collected solar energy into electricity for the signal lights at the bottom rack, the left frame bar and the right frame bar, a battery box installed in the bottom rack and controlled by the control switch to provide the necessary working voltage to the signal lights, an alternating current adapter controlled by the control switch to convert alternating current power supply to direct current power supply for the signal lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Chin-Keng Hsieh
  • Patent number: RE40244
    Abstract: Improved vacuum actuated display ornaments which adhere to surfaces by self-suction are improved by a wall thickness at the center of mass thicker than their peripheral wall thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: We-Flex, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas M. Sheffield, Jr., Tamara K. Sheffield