AU2013100929A4 - System and Method for Attaching Vehicle Ornamentation - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A sign for attachment to the exterior of a vehicle. The sign includes a layer of a polyurethane gel configured to adhesively grip the exterior surface of the vehicle to hold the sign to the vehicle. '0U

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ATTACHING VEHICLE ORNAMENTATION Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to improvements in the attachment of ornamentation to vehicles, for example, signage such as L-plates, P-plates, D plates and R-plates to vehicles. Background of the Invention [0002] In Australia and elsewhere, a newly licensed driver is subject to a probationary period during which the accumulation of too many traffic offenses will lead to the suspension or revocation of the drivers license. In order to assist law enforcement, such drivers are required to display a small square sign on the back of their vehicle with the driving status of the operator of the vehicle. In Australia, a new driver is required to display an L-plate (learner's plate) for a period of 12 months. Following completion of the 12 month period and passage of a driver's examination, the new driver is then required to display a green P plate (provisional or probationary plate) for a period of 12 months, then a red P plate for a period of two years. Problems exist with the attachment of conventional signs. For example, some conventional signs leave a sticky residue that may damage the paint of the vehicle when attempts are made to remove the sign. Other signs have poor adhesive qualities and disengage from the vehicle during turbulent wind conditions, or even when the vehicle is travelling at faster speeds. Some signs have suction cups that are time-consuming to attach and do not always stay in place, often leaving behind a residue after removal. Some signs rely on a flimsy frame that is clamped to the license plate or a portion of the vehicle. Such signs are cumbersome to install and subject to disengagement during turbulent wind conditions. [0003] The present invention seeks to lessen these problems by providing an ornamentation that is attachable to a vehicle with little effort, but may be disengaged while leaving little or no residue. 1 [0004] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. Summary [0005] The present invention in one preferred aspect provides for vehicle ornament for attachment to an interior or exterior surface of a vehicle, including a body having an upper surface and a lower surface opposite said upper surface. The body includes a polyurethane gel configured to adhesively grip the interior or exterior surface of the vehicle to hold said body to the vehicle. The body is configured to convey the driving license status of an operator of the vehicle. [0006] In another preferred aspect, the present invention provides a method for attaching an ornament to an exterior surface of a vehicle. The method includes positioning a lower surface of a vehicle ornament towards the exterior surface of the vehicle, the lower surface being devoid of any glue or magnet; and placing substantially the entire lower surface of the ornament on the exterior surface to engage the ornament to the exterior surface of the vehicle. [0007] In another preferred aspect, the present invention provides a method for attaching an ornament to an interior surface of a vehicle. The method includes positioning an upper surface of a vehicle ornament towards the interior surface of the vehicle, the upper surface being devoid of any glue or magnet; and placing substantially the entire upper surface of the ornament on the interior surface to engage the ornament to the interior surface of the vehicle [0008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 2 [0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Brief Description of the Figures [0010] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a temporary sign for attachment to a vehicle in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0011] Fig. 2 is a front elevation view of the sign of Fig. 1. [0012] Fig. 3 is a front elevation view of a sign in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0013] Fig. 4 is a front elevation view of a sign in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0014] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the sign of Fig. 4. Detailed Description of the Drawings [0015] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be appreciated in the description as follows, the present invention is described in relation to a P-plate or L-plate sign that is dimensionally and visually compliant with local Australian law, though the invention is not so limited. [0016] Figs. 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of an exterior vehicle ornament or sign 100 for attachment to an exterior surface of a vehicle. Sign 100 has a body 102 with an upper surface 104 and a lower surface 106. The lower surface of body 102 preferably includes a layer 108 of a polyurethane gel configured to adhesively grip the exterior surface of the vehicle. The preferred elements of sign 100 and their interrelationship are described below. 3 [0017] Referring to Fig. 1, sign 100 includes a top 110, a bottom 112 opposite top 100, and sides 114, 116. Body 102 is preferably generally square-shaped. It will be appreciated that sign 100 may be formed in a variety of shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention, for example only, rectangular, oval, circular, etc. [0018] Upper surface 104 preferably includes a symbol or text 118, such as the "P" letter shown in Fig. 1. Preferred dimensions of the letter and its placement are shown in Fig. 2. Text 118 is preferably configured to convey the drivers license status of the operator of the vehicle. [0019] Lower surface 106 preferably includes a substance which is adhesive in function, permanently attached to the lower surface of body 102 while being non-permanently attachable to the exterior surface of a vehicle. More preferably, the adhesive substance is configured to be peelable from the exterior surface of the vehicle. The adhesive substance preferably is configured to leave no residue after disengagement from the exterior surface of the vehicle. More preferably, the substance is configured to engage with a painted metallic or plastic surface and disengage from such surface without visually damaging the paint. [0020] Preferably, the adhesive substance is a non-glue substance and non magnetic. More preferably, the adhesive substance is in the form of gel layer 108, which in a preferred form is a polyurethane gel. Preferably, the polyurethane gel consists essentially of an isocyanate terminated prepolymer extended with polyester in combination with a curing agent. The curing agent preferably includes a blend of polyols and additives. [0021] Exemplary polyurethane gels suitable for use with the present invention include the following: MPP-V37A manufactured by Northstar Polymers, LLC of 344 Dight Ave South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55406 (USA) (www.northstarpolymers.com/Northstarpolymers/get); GK-7, also manufactured by Northstar Polymers, LLC; and "NanoGrip Sticky Pad" (GC091105501-2.1) manufactured by Grip Technologies ApS (Denmark)(www.Nano-Grip.com). If a standard polyurethane gel is utilised, the mixing ratio of the prepolymer to curing 4 agent is preferably approximately 1:2.2 by weight. If a lower viscosity polyurethane gel is desired, then the mixing ratio may be altered to approximately 1:9.216 by weight. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the softness of the polyurethane gel may be varied by changing the mixing ratio. [0022] Referring now to Fig. 3, a sign 200 is shown in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Sign 200 is similar to sign 100 except that sign 200 has a letter 218 formed as a "L" to indicate that the operator of the vehicle is a learner driver (beginner). [0023] Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, a sign 300 is shown in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Sign 300 is similar to sign 100 except that sign 300 does not include a layer of a polyurethane gel. Instead, body 302 is preferably made of a polyurethane gel. An advantage of the configuration of sign 300 is that upper surface 304 is directly attachable to the interior surface of a vehicle, such as a window, without any need for glue, clay putty or suction cups. As shown in Fig. 4, text 318 is preferably printed on upper surface 304. [0024] Having described the preferred components of sign 100, a preferred method of use will now be described with reference to Fig. 1. A user preferably selects a sign with lettering indicating the driving license status of the operator of the vehicle. The user preferably removes any wrapping or packaging from sign 100. The lower surface of sign 100 may include a separate peelable temporary layer if desired to protect the gel layer from dust and debris. After the packaging is removed, the user selects a location on the exterior of the vehicle for placement of the sign. A preferred location is the rear of the vehicle. It will be appreciated that other exterior locations may be used, for example, the front and/or side portions of the vehicle. The user then positions the lower surface of sign 100 towards the exterior surface of the vehicle. The lower surface of the gel layer is preferably devoid of any glue adhesive or magnet. Substantially the entire lower surface of the gel layer of sign 100 is placed on the exterior surface of the vehicle to engage the sign to the vehicle. Using sign 100 having a polyurethane gel 5 enables the sign to be engaged with the vehicle without a magnet, glue adhesive or fasteners such as screws for use with a frame. [0025] After engagement of sign 100 with the vehicle, the user may disengage the sign by peeling sign 100 away from the exterior surface of the vehicle. The sign may be re-used with the same or a different vehicle. [0026] A preferred method of use in relation to sign 300 is similar to that described above for sign 100 except that upper surface 304 is oriented towards a window of the vehicle and substantially the entire surface of upper surface 304 is placed on the window to engage the sign to the vehicle. Using sign 300 against a glass window removes any need for suction cups or other separate attachment means. If desired, sign 300 may also be applied to the vehicle by placing substantially the entire lower surface against a surface of the vehicle, similar to the method described above in relation to sign 100. [0027] It will be appreciated that the steps described above may be performed in a different order, varied, or certain steps omitted entirely without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example only, when the present invention is used for other purposes, it will be appreciated that different symbols and/or text may be applied to the upper surface for purposes other than indicating the drivers license status of the operator of the vehicle. [0028] The foregoing description is by way of example only, and may be varied considerably without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example only, the sign may be configured for attachment to an interior glass surface of the vehicle, such as the rear windshield. Such a sign may be attached via the polyurethane gel without any glue adhesive or suction cup. The gel may be transparent so that any lettering of the sign may be visible through the gel layer. [0029] The features described with respect to one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, or combined with or interchanged with the features 6 of other embodiments, as appropriate, without departing from the scope of the present invention. [0030] The present invention in a preferred form provides the advantages of being durable, reliably attachable, and paint-friendly, qualities often lacking in devices in the prior art. [0031] In a preferred form, the present invention excludes an adhesive glue, magnet, frame with a fastener or clamp, and/or suction cup as an attachment means for attaching the sign to the vehicle. Additionally, in a preferred form, the present invention is configured only for use with a motor vehicle. [0032] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims. 7

Claims (21)

1. A vehicle ornament for attachment to an interior or exterior surface of a vehicle, including: a body having an upper surface and a lower surface opposite said upper surface, said body including a polyurethane gel configured to adhesively grip the interior or exterior surface of the vehicle to hold said body to the vehicle, said body being configured to convey the driving license status of an operator of the vehicle.

2. The ornament of claim 1, wherein said body is generally planar.

3. The ornament of either claim 1 or 2, wherein said body is square-shaped in a horizontal plane.

4. The ornament of either claim 1 or 2, wherein said body is rectangular shaped in a horizontal plane.

5. The ornament of any one of the above claims, wherein said upper surface includes at least one letter thereon.

6. The ornament of any one of the above claims, wherein said polyurethane gel consists essentially of an Isocyanate terminated prepolymer extended with polyester in combination with a curing agent.

7. The ornament of claim 6, wherein said curing agent includes a blend of polyols and additives.

8. The ornament of any one of the above claims, wherein said body is configured to disengage from the interior surface of the vehicle by being peeled away from the interior surface of the vehicle.

9. The ornament of any one of claims 1-7, wherein said body is configured to disengage from the exterior surface of the vehicle by being peeled away from the exterior surface of the vehicle. 8

10. The ornament of claim 9, wherein said body leaves no residue after disengagement from the exterior surface of the vehicle.

11. A method for attaching an ornament to an exterior surface of a vehicle, including: positioning a lower surface of a vehicle ornament towards the exterior surface of the vehicle, the lower surface being devoid of any glue or magnet; and placing substantially the entire lower surface of the ornament on the exterior surface to engage the ornament to the exterior surface of the vehicle.

12. The method of claim 11, further including disengaging the ornament from the exterior surface of the vehicle without leaving any residue from the ornament on the exterior surface of the vehicle.

13. A method for attaching an ornament to an interior surface of a vehicle, including: positioning an upper surface of a vehicle ornament towards the interior surface of the vehicle, the upper surface being devoid of any glue or magnet; and placing substantially the entire upper surface of the ornament on the interior surface to engage the ornament to the interior surface of the vehicle.

14. The method of claim 13, further including disengaging the ornament from the interior surface of the vehicle without leaving any residue from the ornament on the interior surface of the vehicle.

15. The method of either claim 12 or 14, wherein the disengagement of the ornament includes peeling the ornament off the surface of the vehicle.

16. The method of any one of claims 11 -15, wherein the exterior surface of the vehicle is metallic.

17. The method of any one of claims 11-16, wherein the ornament includes a polyurethane gel. 9

18. The method of any one of claims 11-17, wherein the ornament is a sign configured to convey the driving license status of an operator of the vehicle.

19. The method of any one of claims 11-18, wherein the placement of the ornament includes placing the ornament on a rear portion of the vehicle.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the interior surface of the vehicle to which the ornament is attached is glass.

21. The method of either claim 14 or 20, wherein the upper surface of the ornament is attached to the interior surface of the vehicle without any suction cup. 10