AU2010201768A1 - Indicia display plate holder system for motor vehicle - Google Patents

Description

1 INDICIA DISPLAY PLATE HOLDER SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLE TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a bracket and holder for attaching and supporting an indicia display plate 5 adjacent to a motor vehicle license plate. In particular, the present invention relates to a bracket and holder for attaching, supporting and displaying driver status plates. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use. BACKGROUND 0 In most states of Australia it is a legal requirement that learner drivers display an "L" plate and that probationary drivers display a "P" plate at the front and rear of a vehicle that they drive, to alert other road users and pedestrians of the status of the driver. Sometimes these plates may also include numerals denoting the maximum speed allowable for the status of the driver. Typically the plates can be made of plastic, cardboard/paper and metal. Some current methods of attaching the plates include holders/brackets 5 for slidably supporting such plates, suction cup attachment, or magnetic attachment of plates. Known holders/brackets are typically attachable to the mounting holes of a motor vehicle license (registration) plate. Such holders typically have a plate holder and one or two bracket arms projecting therefrom with respective holes therein for attaching to the mounting holes of the motor vehicle licence plate. The use of such holder/bracket suffers from problems that there are different sized motor vehicle 20 license plates in Australia, namely "standard" and "European", and the space available to mount license plates differs from vehicle to vehicle, particularly as there is a large variety of different types, sizes and shapes of vehicles on the road. For example, some conventional holder/brackets that suit sedans, do not suit some hatchback, recreational and four-wheel-drive vehicles. Furthermore, the way such prior art holders/brackets attach to mount holes, allows for little or no flexibility as to where relative to the mount 25 holes the holder/bracket and therefore the "P" or "L" status plate will be displayed. In some instances, they 2 protrude too far posing a risk to pedestrians and those unloading the vehicle, and in others they are too close and obscure the license plate. For example, it may be preferable on a particular vehicle to have the "P" or "L" status plate displayed at some small distance further away/or closer horizontally and/or vertically than present holder/brackets allow. 5 With magnetic plates, these are typically attached to the metallic bodywork of the car, and can cause rust, paint fading and scratching of the paintwork. If they are not attached properly to a flat surface they are prone to falling off a moving vehicle US Patent Publication No. 2008/0229635 (Soldo) discloses a decal display plate for attachment to a license plate having a plurality of mount holes aligned in a horizontal array. The plate with its array of holes allows 0 for some horizontal positioning adjustment relative to the license plate. The present invention seeks to provide a bracket and holder for attaching, supporting and displaying driver status plates which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative. It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not 5 constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. SUMMARY OF INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, a bracket is provided for attaching an indicia display 20 plate to a motor vehicle, said bracket comprising an elongate member of thin sheet material, said elongate member having a first set of elongate slots and a second set of elongate slots disposed therein, each slot in said first set of elongate slots is longitudinally parallel with the longitudinal axis of said elongate member, and each slot in said second set of slots is disposed longitudinally orthogonal to said longitudinal axis.

3 Preferably, said elongate member comprises a main body portion having an arm portion extending therefrom in direction parallel to said longitudinal axis. Preferably, at least two slots of said first set of slots are disposed on said arm in end to end orientation. Preferably, said second set of slots comprises at least two slots disposed near the free end of said main 5 body portion. Preferably, at least one open-ended slot is disposed longitudinally parallel to said longitudinal axis at said free end of said main portion between two slots of said second set of slots. Preferably, said first set of slots comprises slots of at least two differing lengths. Preferably, at least one notch is disposed in said elongate member to facilitate bending of said bracket or 0 separation of at least a portion of said arm. Preferably, an indicia plate holder having a plurality of apertures disposed near an edge thereof is attachable to the second set of slots via threaded fasteners, wherein said plurality of apertures comprises at least three apertures disposed in an array such that attachment of said holder relative to said bracket is positionally adjustable in a direction orthogonal to said longitudinal axis of said bracket. 15 Preferably, said indicia plate holder is adapted to receive and engage with an indicia display plate. Preferably, said indicia display plate engages said indicia plate holder by any of slidable engagement, magnetic engagement or hook and loop fastening. Preferably, an indicia display plate having a plurality of apertures disposed near its periphery is attachable to the second set of slots via threaded fasteners, wherein said plurality of apertures comprises at least three 4 apertures disposed in an array such that attachment of said holder relative to said bracket is positionally adjustable in a direction orthogonal to said longitudinal axis of said bracket. According to a second aspect of the present invention, an indicia plate holder is provided for attachment to a vehicle via a bracket laterally extending from a license plate, wherein in use said indicia plate holder has a 5 plurality of apertures arranged in a single row array disposed vertically near an edge thereof, said array of apertures allowing for attachment of said holder to said bracket via fasteners such that attachment of said holder relative to said bracket is positionally adjustable in a vertical direction. Preferably, said holder has at least one rib disposed near an edge thereof between two of said apertures, said rib adapted to adjustably abut against said bracket to assist alignment of said holder relative to said 0 bracket. Preferably, an indicia display plate slidably engages with said plate holder. Preferably, an indicia display plate magnetically engages with said plate holder. Preferably, an indicia display plate attaches to said plate holder via hook and loop fastening means. According to a third aspect of the present invention, an indicia display plate is provided for attachment to a -5 vehicle via a bracket laterally extending from a license plate, wherein in use said indicia display plate has a plurality of apertures arranged in a single row array disposed vertically near an edge thereof, said array of apertures allowing for attachment of said plate to said bracket via fasteners such that attachment of said plate relative to said bracket is positionally adjustable in a vertical direction. Preferably, said plate has at least one rib disposed near an edge thereof between two of said apertures, 20 said rib adapted to adjustably abut against said bracket to assist alignment of said plate relative to said bracket.

5 According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in combination an indicia plate holder and bracket are provided for attaching an indicia display plate to a motor vehicle, said bracket comprising an elongate member of thin sheet material, said elongate member having a first set of elongate slots and a second set of elongate slots disposed therein, each slot in said first set of elongate slots is longitudinally parallel with the 5 longitudinal axis of said elongate member, and each slot in said second set of slots is disposed longitudinally orthogonal to said longitudinal axis, and wherein in use said indicia plate holder has a plurality of apertures arranged in a single row array disposed vertically near an edge thereof, said array of apertures allowing for attachment of said holder to said second set of slots of the bracket via fasteners such that attachment of said holder relative to said bracket is positionally adjustable in a vertical direction. 0 According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in combination an indicia display plate and bracket are provided for attaching said indicia display plate to a motor vehicle, said bracket comprising an elongate member of thin sheet material, said elongate member having a first set of elongate slots and a second set of elongate slots disposed therein, each slot in said first set of elongate slots is longitudinally parallel with the longitudinal axis of said elongate member, and each slot in said second set of slots is disposed 5 longitudinally orthogonal to said longitudinal axis, and wherein in use said indicia display plate has a plurality of apertures arranged in a single row array disposed vertically near an edge thereof, said array of apertures allowing for attachment of said holder to said second set of slots of the bracket via fasteners such that attachment of said holder relative to said bracket is positionally adjustable in a vertical direction. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, an indicia display plate for a motor vehicle is provided, 20 said indicia display plate having a laterally extending bracket comprising an elongate member of thin sheet material, said elongate member having a plurality of elongate slots disposed in at least two arrays, each of said slots longitudinally parallel with the longitudinal axis of said elongate member. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a holder is provided for attaching an indicia display plate to a motor vehicle, said holder having a laterally extending bracket comprising an elongate member of 6 thin sheet material, said elongate member having a plurality of elongate slots disposed in at least two arrays, each of said slots longitudinally parallel with the longitudinal axis of said elongate member. According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, an indicia display plate is provided for attachment to a vehicle via a bracket extending from a license plate vertically in use, wherein in use said indicia display 5 plate has a plurality of apertures arranged in a single row array disposed horizontally near an edge thereof, said array of apertures allowing for attachment of said plate to said bracket via fasteners such that attachment of said plate relative to said bracket is positionally adjustable in a horizontal direction. Preferably, said plate has at least one rib disposed near an edge thereof between two of said apertures, said rib adapted to adjustably abut against said bracket to assist alignment of said plate relative to said 0 bracket. Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a bracket and indicia plate holder in accordance with a first embodiment of 5 the present invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view the bracket and indicia plate holder of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the bracket shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is an enlarged elevation view of the bracket shown in Fig.1. Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the indicia plate holder shown in Fig. 1. 20 Fig. 6 is an enlarged front elevation view of the indicia plate holder shown in Fig.1. Fig.7 is an enlarged rear elevation view of the indicia plate holder shown in Fig.1. Fig. 8 is an enlarged side view of the indicia plate holder shown in Fig.1.

7 Fig. 9 is an enlarged rear view of the indicia plate holder shown in Fig.1. Fig.10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the indicia plate holder through B-B on Fig. 7. Figs. 11a and 11b are perspective and exploded views respectively of a bracket and indicia plate holder in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. 5 Figs. 12a and 12b are perspective and exploded views respectively of a bracket and indicia plate holder in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 13a and 13b are perspective and exploded views respectively of a bracket and indicia display plate in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 14a and 14b are perspective and exploded views respectively of a bracket and indicia display plate in 0 accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the following description an "indicia display plate", is preferably a plate for indicating the status of the driver such as an "L" plate or "P" plate that must be displayed at the front and rear of motor vehicles. 5 However, it should be understood that an "indicia display plate" could be for other uses. Also in this specification the phrase "license plate" which is a plate for depicting the registration number of a motor vehicle, means the same as the phrases "registration plate" or "number plate". Figs.1 to 10 depict a first embodiment of a bracket 2 and indicia plate holder 3a for attaching an indicia display plate (not shown) to a motor vehicle license plate. Bracket 2 is an elongate member of thin sheet 20 material, and has a main body portion 2a and an arm portion 2b extending therefrom. Bracket 2 has a first set of six elongate slots 4 disposed longitudinally parallel to a longitudinal axis X of bracket 2. These first set slots 4 are of differing lengths and allow bracket 2 to fastened to license plate mount holes (not shown) via conventional threaded fasteners. An advantage of bracket 2 is that the multiple number of slots 4 in various 8 arrays and of varying lengths, means the positioning of bracket 2 can be adjusted horizontally along its longitudinal extent to suit the different styles of license plates and motor vehicles. Bracket 2 has a second set of elongate slots 5 disposed therein each of which is disposed longitudinally orthogonal (at right angles) to longitudinal axis X. These slots 5 are used for attaching an indicia plate holder 5 3a to said bracket 2. Furthermore, bracket 2 also has an open-ended slot 14, disposed at the end of main body portion 2a between slots 5. Bracket 2 is preferably made of stamped/punched metal. The central cut-outs 11 facilitate bending of the bracket 2 to allow it to be more easily mounted to a vehicle. Where the bracket 2 is made of metal it may preferably be powder coated or zinc-coated. Alternatively bracket 2 may be made of plastic. 0 Bracket 2 also has notches 12 and 13 that facilitate bending or separation of at least a portion of the arm 2b relative to main body portion 2a. Bending or separating arm 2a may be necessary to suit a particular vehicle and license plate combination. Also, notches 19 are provided in main body portion 2a should bending thereof be required. The indicia plate holder 3a is preferably made of plastic such as recycled polypropylene. It has a frame 5 portion 7 and an edge portion 8. The apertures 18 in frame portion 7 are for reducing the amount of plastic used to form holder 3a. Four apertures 9 are disposed in a "single row" array on edge portion 8. Three ribs 13 are disposed on edge portion 8, each rib 13 located between two of the apertures 9. As shown in Fig 1 and 2, conventional threaded screw fasteners 10 can be used to attach the holder 3a to 20 slots 5 of bracket 2 at two central apertures 9. A rib 13 between these two central apertures 9 is able to extend into open-ended slot 14 on bracket 2, to assist in alignment during assembly.

9 An advantage of the holder 3a is that the central two apertures 9 as shown in Figs 1 and 2 need not be selected, but rather to suit the license plate and style of the vehicle, either the "two upper end" or "two lower end" apertures 9 may be selected, thereby providing height (vertical) adjustability to the holder 3a relative to bracket 2. 5 The frame portion 7 has an opening at edge portion 17, which is preferably adapted to slidably receive and support an indicia display plate (not shown). Ribs 16 at edge portion 17 assist in keeping the indicia display plate in place. Figs 11 a and 11 b depict a second embodiment of a bracket 2 and indicia plate holder 3b, for attaching an indicia display plate (not shown) to a motor vehicle license plate. In this embodiment the bracket 2 is similar 0 to that of the first embodiment, and therefore provides similar adjustability for attachment to the license plate holes. Holder 3b whilst having four apertures 9 disposed in a "single row" array on edge portion 8 in a similar fashion to holder 3a is instead for the magnetic holding of an indicia display plate. The apertures 9 allow holder 3b to attach to slots 5 of bracket 2 via fasteners 10, and thereby provides height (vertical) adjustability similar to the first embodiment. 5 Figs. 12a and 12b depict a third embodiment of a bracket 2 and indicia plate holder 3c for attaching an indicia display plate (not shown) to a motor vehicle license plate. In this embodiment, the bracket 2 is similar to that of the first embodiment, and therefore provides similar adjustability for attachment to the license plate holes. Holder 3c whilst having four apertures 9 disposed in a "single row" array on edge portion 8 in a similar fashion to holder 3a, is instead provided with one part of a hook and loop fastening means 20 (such as VELCRO

TM

) 6 for attaching to an indicia display plate also provided with the other part of the hook and loop fastening means. The apertures 9 allow holder 3c to attach to slots 5 of bracket 2 via fasteners 10, and thereby provides height (vertical) adjustability similar to the first embodiment.

10 Figs 13a and 13b depict a fourth embodiment of a bracket 2 and indicia display plate 1. In this embodiment the bracket 2 is similar to that of the first embodiment, and therefore provides similar adjustability for attachment to the license plate holes. Indicia display plate 1 has four apertures 9 disposed in a "single row" array on edge portion 8 in a similar fashion to holder 3a that allows plate 1 to attach directly to bracket 2. 5 The apertures 9 allow plate 1 to attach to slots 5 of bracket 2 via fasteners 10, and thereby provides height (vertical) adjustability similar to the first embodiment. Figs 14a and 14b depict a fifth embodiment of a bracket 30 and an indicia display plate 32. Bracket 30 has a generally rectangular form and is made of thin sheet material. In this embodiment, the bracket 30 has four mounting apertures 34 through which fasteners may be secured to attach the bracket 30 0 to a vehicle behind the license plate of the vehicle. The mounting apertures 34 are particularly arranged to allow the bracket 30 to be attached to a two-wheel vehicle such as a motorbike or moped. Bracket 30 has four attachment apertures 36 adjacent a top edge 38 of said bracket 30 that are used for attaching the indicia display plate 32 to said bracket 30. Furthermore, the bracket 30 has three elongate slots 40 disposed orthogonally to a longitudinal axis X' of bracket 30 and extending downwardly from the top 5 edge 38 of the bracket 30. The slots 40 are located between respective pairs of the attachment apertures 36. Bracket 30 is preferably made of stamped/punched metal. Where the bracket 30 is made of metal it may preferably be powder coated or zinc-coated. Alternatively, bracket 30 may be made of plastic. The indicia display plate 32 is generally rectangular and preferably made of plastic such as recycled 20 polypropylene. The indicia display plate 32 has a lower edge 42 and four cooperating apertures 44 disposed in a single row array adjacent the lower edge 42. The indicia display plate also has three ribs 46 disposed adjacent the lower edge 42, each rib 46 located between two of the cooperating apertures 44.

11 Conventional threaded screw fasteners 48 can be fastened through the attachment apertures 36 and into the cooperating apertures 44 to secure the indicia display plate 32 to the bracket 30. The three ribs 44 extend into the three elongate slots 40, to assist in alignment during assembly. An advantage of the bracket 30 and indicia plate 32 assembly is that the indicia plate 32 can be adjusted in 5 a horizontal direction relative to the bracket 30 in use (e.g. to suit the geometry of the vehicle).In further not shown embodiments the plate holders 3a, 3b and 3c of the first three embodiments may be integrally connected to bracket 2. Likewise, in another not shown embodiment, the indicia display plate 1 and bracket 2 of the fourth embodiment may be integrally connected. In all of these not shown embodiments the advantage of bracket 2 is that the multiple number of slots 4 of varying lengths means the positioning of 0 bracket 2 can be adjusted horizontally along its longitudinal extent to suit different style of license plates and motor vehicles. However, because in these embodiments bracket 2 is integral with a plate holder or indicia display plate, there is no need for slots 5 or open-ended slot 14 of the earlier embodiment. It should be noted in this specification that any of the threaded apertures can include nut inserts to better facilitate threaded fastening. 5 In yet another not shown embodiment, the indicia display plate 32 and the bracket 30 of the fifth embodiment may be integrally connected. It should be understood that in other not shown embodiments the bracket 2 and the bracket 30 may comprise strengthening ribs or embossments. The term "comprising" as used herein (and its grammatical variations) is used in the inclusive sense of 20 "having" or "including" and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of'. Embodiments: 12 Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same 5 embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or 0 description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific 5 Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in 20 the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. Specific Details In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well- 13 known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. Terminology In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will 5 be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms. 0 Different Instances of Objects As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. 5 Comprising and Including In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the 20 invention. Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

14 Scope of Invention Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as 5 fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by 0 those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. Industrial Applicability It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the vehicle and vehicle licencing industries. 5

Claims (29)

1. A bracket for attaching an indicia display plate to a motor vehicle, said bracket comprising an elongate member of thin sheet material, said elongate member having a first set of elongate slots and a second set of elongate slots disposed therein, each slot in said first set of elongate slots is longitudinally 5 parallel with the longitudinal axis of said elongate member, and each slot in said second set of slots is disposed longitudinally orthogonal to said longitudinal axis.

2. A bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein said elongate member comprises a main body portion having an arm portion extending therefrom in direction parallel to said longitudinal axis.

3. A bracket as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least two slots of said first set of slots are disposed on said 0 arm in end to end orientation.

4. A bracket as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein said second set of slots comprises at least two slots disposed near the free end of said main body portion.

5. A bracket as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least one open-ended slot is disposed longitudinally parallel to said longitudinal axis at said free end of said main portion between two slots of said second set of 5 slots.

6. A bracket as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein said first set of slots comprises slots of at least two differing lengths.

7. A bracket as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5, wherein at least one notch is disposed in said elongate member to facilitate bending of said bracket or separation of at least a portion of said arm. 20

8. A bracket as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 7, wherein an indicia plate holder having a plurality of apertures disposed near an edge thereof is attachable to the second set of slots via threaded fasteners, wherein said plurality of apertures comprises at least three apertures disposed in an array 16 such that attachment of said holder relative to said bracket is positionally adjustable in a direction orthogonal to said longitudinal axis of said bracket.

9. A bracket as claimed in claim 8, wherein said indicia plate holder is adapted to receive and engage with an indicia display plate. 5

10. A bracket as claimed in claim 9, wherein said indicia display plate engages said indicia plate holder by any of slidable engagement, magnetic engagement or hook and loop fastening.

11. A bracket as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 7, wherein an indicia display plate having a plurality of apertures disposed near its periphery is attachable to the second set of slots via threaded fasteners, wherein said plurality of apertures comprises at least three apertures disposed in an array such that 0 attachment of said holder relative to said bracket is positionally adjustable in a direction orthogonal to said longitudinal axis of said bracket.

12. An indicia plate holder for attachment to a vehicle via a bracket laterally extending from a license plate, wherein in use said indicia plate holder has a plurality of apertures arranged in a single row array disposed vertically near an edge thereof, said array of apertures allowing for attachment of said holder 5 to said bracket via fasteners such that attachment of said holder relative to said bracket is positionally adjustable in a vertical direction.

13. An indicia plate holder as claimed in claim 12, wherein said holder has at least one rib disposed near an edge thereof between two of said apertures, said rib adapted to adjustably abut against said bracket to assist alignment of said holder relative to said bracket. 20

14. An indicia plate holder as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein an indicia display plate slidably engages with said plate holder. 17

15. An indicia plate holder as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein an indicia display plate magnetically engages with said plate holder.

16. An indicia plate holder as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein an indicia display plate attaches to said plate holder via hook and loop fastening means. 5

17. An indicia display plate for attachment to a vehicle via a bracket laterally extending from a license plate, wherein in use said indicia display plate has a plurality of apertures arranged in a single row array disposed vertically near an edge thereof, said array of apertures allowing for attachment of said plate to said bracket via fasteners such that attachment of said plate relative to said bracket is positionally adjustable in a vertical direction. 0

18. An indicia display plate as claimed in claim 17, wherein said plate has at least one rib disposed near an edge thereof between two of said apertures, said rib adapted to adjustably abut against said bracket to assist alignment of said plate relative to said bracket.

19. In combination an indicia plate holder and bracket for attaching an indicia display plate to a motor vehicle, said bracket comprising an elongate member of thin sheet material, said elongate member 5 having a first set of elongate slots and a second set of elongate slots disposed therein, each slot in said first set of elongate slots is longitudinally parallel with the longitudinal axis of said elongate member, and each slot in said second set of slots is disposed longitudinally orthogonal to said longitudinal axis, and wherein in use said indicia plate holder has a plurality of apertures arranged in a single row array disposed vertically near an edge thereof, said array of apertures allowing for attachment of said holder 20 to said second set of slots of the bracket via fasteners such that attachment of said holder relative to said bracket is positionally adjustable in a vertical direction.

20. In combination an indicia display plate and bracket for attaching said indicia display plate to a motor vehicle, said bracket comprising an elongate member of thin sheet material, said elongate member 18 having a first set of elongate slots and a second set of elongate slots disposed therein, each slot in said first set of elongate slots is longitudinally parallel with the longitudinal axis of said elongate member, and each slot in said second set of slots is disposed longitudinally orthogonal to said longitudinal axis, and wherein in use said indicia display plate has a plurality of apertures arranged in a single row array 5 disposed vertically near an edge thereof, said array of apertures allowing for attachment of said holder to said second set of slots of the bracket via fasteners such that attachment of said holder relative to said bracket is positionally adjustable in a vertical direction.

21. An indicia display plate for a motor vehicle, said indicia display plate having a laterally extending bracket comprising an elongate member of thin sheet material, said elongate member having a plurality 0 of elongate slots disposed in at least two arrays, each of said slots longitudinally parallel with the longitudinal axis of said elongate member.

22. A holder for attaching an indicia display plate to a motor vehicle, said holder having a laterally extending bracket comprising an elongate member of thin sheet material, said elongate member having a plurality of elongate slots disposed in at least two arrays, each of said slots longitudinally parallel with 5 the longitudinal axis of said elongate member.

23. A bracket as substantially hereinbefore described and with reference to the figures.

24. An indicia plate holder as substantially hereinbefore described and with reference to the figures.

25. An indicia display plate as substantially hereinbefore described and with reference to the figures.

26. In combination a bracket and indicia plate holder as substantially hereinbefore described and with 20 reference to the figures.

27. In combination a bracket and indicia display plate as substantially hereinbefore described and with reference to the figures. 19

28. An indicia display plate for attachment to a vehicle via a bracket extending from a license plate vertically in use, wherein in use said indicia display plate has a plurality of apertures arranged in a single row array disposed horizontally near an edge thereof, said array of apertures allowing for attachment of said plate to said bracket via fasteners such that attachment of said plate relative to said 5 bracket is positionally adjustable in a horizontal direction.

29. An indicia display plate as claimed in claim 28, wherein said plate has at least one rib disposed near an edge thereof between two of said apertures, said rib adapted to adjustably abut against said bracket to assist alignment of said plate relative to said bracket.