CA1217634A - License plate holder - Google Patents
License plate holderInfo
- Publication number
- CA1217634A CA1217634A CA000413139A CA413139A CA1217634A CA 1217634 A CA1217634 A CA 1217634A CA 000413139 A CA000413139 A CA 000413139A CA 413139 A CA413139 A CA 413139A CA 1217634 A CA1217634 A CA 1217634A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- rear wall
- holder
- plate
- portions
- means defining
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Landscapes
- Vehicle Waterproofing, Decoration, And Sanitation Devices (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A unitary, resilient housing structure is provided for mounting a license plate to the bumper of an automobile. The housing structure is impact resistant and provides a decorative frame about the periphery of the license plate in addition to provid-ing for the bumper attachment function.
A unitary, resilient housing structure is provided for mounting a license plate to the bumper of an automobile. The housing structure is impact resistant and provides a decorative frame about the periphery of the license plate in addition to provid-ing for the bumper attachment function.
Description
L7639~
, LICENSE PUT HnlADER
By Ned no TIE Invention 1. Fiend of Invention .
The present invention relates to mechanisms for mounting and displaying Lyons plates on automobiles.
, LICENSE PUT HnlADER
By Ned no TIE Invention 1. Fiend of Invention .
The present invention relates to mechanisms for mounting and displaying Lyons plates on automobiles.
2. Desert lion of the Prior Art P
It is the present practice of the automotive industry to provide for the mounting of license plates on vehicle bumpers by fastening to the bumpers rigid brackets which are configured to allow mounting of the license plate by suitable fasteners. These brackets are usually stamped steel parts which may be heavier than is desirable or necessary to perform this function.
In addition, it is a common practice to improve the appearance of the license plates so mounted by providing a decorative plastic frame to be installed with the license plate. Exemplary of such frames is that shown in US.
Patent ~,170,838. These frames, however, have been found to be expensive difficult to install, and easily damaged in handling and use.
SUMMARY no THE INYENTI~N
The deficiencies of the prior art are met in the present invention in which a lightweight, resilient mounting bracket and frame member is formed as a unitary assembly as a simply and economical molded plastic part. Provision is made for direct mounting on a vehicle bumper together with provisions for slip fit insertion of a license plate into the frame portion of the member and provisions for secure resilient positioning of the plate within the frame portion.
Integral reinforcing portions of the bracket and frame member are also provided for enhancing its resistance to contain expected impact loads.
I
.
~2~763~
BRIE DESC~IPTl~N OF To DRAWING
-The manner in which the present invention is responsive to the deficiencies of the prior art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon read-in the following description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:
Fig. 1 is a top, frontal, perspective view of the license plate holder of the present invention installed on a vehicle bumper;
Fig. 2 is a bottom, rear, exploded perspective view of the license plate holder of the present invention thus-treating its installation on a vehicle bullwhipper;
Fig 3 is a front plan view of the license plate holder of the present invention;
Fig. is a bottom plan view taken from Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a side view Or the holder of Fig. 1 with the license plate shown in phantom as installed;
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 ox Fig. 3;
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of jig. 3; and Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 3.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED Embodiment Turning now to the drug and in particular to Figs. 1 and 2 thereof, a license plate holder 10 according to the present invention is illustrated as being configured for installation on a portion of a bumper 12 of an autumn-bile and for receiving and displaying a conventional license plate 14.
The invention license plate holder 10 is preferably formed as a molded plastic part which includes, generally, an open faced, box-like frame portion 16 for receiving the licellse plate Al a pelf Or laterally spaced, rearwardly extending flange portions 18 arrallged to be aligned with ~763 I
apertures 20 (owe shown formed through a bottom wall 22 of the bumper 12 to permit retention of the license plate holder 10 by suitable fasteners such as nut 24 and bolt 26, and a pair of laterally spaced, rearwardly extending r? boss portions 28 arranged to be aligned with apertures 30 (one shown) fumed through a front wall 32 of the bumper 12 for receiving in threaded engagement suitable fasteners such as the screw 34 shown in Fig. 2.
Turning next to Figs. 3 and 4, the frame portion 16 is illustrated as hiring continuously peripherally extending side walls 36 for surrounding the license plate 14~ the bottom wall 38 being pierced by a slot 40 two permit insertion of the plate 14.
The front wall I of frame portionjl6 is formed as Jan inwardly extending continuous flange which defines an aperture 44 through which the license plate 14 is displayed.
The outer surface 46 of the front wall 42 may be decoratively molded or otherwise configured to permit variations in outward appearance. A pair of bosses 48, each hazing a through hole 50 formed there through are integrally formed to extend inwardly from the bottom inner edge 52 of the front wall I
The rear wall 54 of frame portion 16 connects the top and bottom of the side walls 36 thereof. To reduce weight and enhance producibility by present molding techniques the rear wall 54 preferably is spaced as indicated at 56 from the sides of frame portion 16. A plurality of apertures 58 are formed through the rear wall 54 for reducing weight and enhancing flexibility of the invention license plate holder Also formed through the rear wall 54, as may best be seen in Fig. 7, is a pair of Halsey, which register with the through holes of front wall mounting bosses 48 to receive suitable fasteners (not shown) for securing the license plate lo to the invention holder 10.
us may best be seen in Fig. 3, extending inwardly from a front face 62 of rear wall 54 are a plurality of 63~L -elongated ribs Al Lucia extend horizontally and vertically with respect to the rear wall 54. The ribs 64 impart strength to the overall structure of the invention license plate holder 10 and enhance its impact resistance in use.
5 Gussets such as indicated at 65 may be formed with the ribs I Further strengtheIling is effected by a pair of vertically extending ribs 66,. also extending inwardly from the rear wall 54. The ribs 66 are symmetrically Arranged about and substantially displaced from the vertical center-10 line of the holder 10 and include, as may best be seen infix. 6, a projection 68 for resiliently urging eye license plate 11~ toward the rear face 70 of front wall 42 -to mini-mite rattling.
Extending outwardly from the rear face 72 of rear 15 wall 54 are the flange portions 18 and the boss portions 28.
The flange portions 18 include a support element 74 extending perpendicularly from the rear face 72 and having an upper face 76 shaped to abut tingly engage the bumper 12. A fastener-receiving through hole 78 is provided in the support element 20 for registration with bumper hole 20. Flange portions 18 further include integral horizontal and vertical brace elements 80 and 82, respectively, for strengthening the mounting con-section with the bumper 12. Similar strengthening is pro-voided at the connection associated with the bosses 28 25 through horizontal and vertical braces 84, 86, respectively, formed integrally with the bosses 28. The bosses 28 also include through holes 88 for registering with fastener-receiving bumper holes 30 and provide a rear face 90 which may be tapered as shown to securely engage the bumper 12.
While only one embodiment of the invention license plate holder 10 has been here described, others may be posy sidle without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
It is the present practice of the automotive industry to provide for the mounting of license plates on vehicle bumpers by fastening to the bumpers rigid brackets which are configured to allow mounting of the license plate by suitable fasteners. These brackets are usually stamped steel parts which may be heavier than is desirable or necessary to perform this function.
In addition, it is a common practice to improve the appearance of the license plates so mounted by providing a decorative plastic frame to be installed with the license plate. Exemplary of such frames is that shown in US.
Patent ~,170,838. These frames, however, have been found to be expensive difficult to install, and easily damaged in handling and use.
SUMMARY no THE INYENTI~N
The deficiencies of the prior art are met in the present invention in which a lightweight, resilient mounting bracket and frame member is formed as a unitary assembly as a simply and economical molded plastic part. Provision is made for direct mounting on a vehicle bumper together with provisions for slip fit insertion of a license plate into the frame portion of the member and provisions for secure resilient positioning of the plate within the frame portion.
Integral reinforcing portions of the bracket and frame member are also provided for enhancing its resistance to contain expected impact loads.
I
.
~2~763~
BRIE DESC~IPTl~N OF To DRAWING
-The manner in which the present invention is responsive to the deficiencies of the prior art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon read-in the following description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:
Fig. 1 is a top, frontal, perspective view of the license plate holder of the present invention installed on a vehicle bumper;
Fig. 2 is a bottom, rear, exploded perspective view of the license plate holder of the present invention thus-treating its installation on a vehicle bullwhipper;
Fig 3 is a front plan view of the license plate holder of the present invention;
Fig. is a bottom plan view taken from Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a side view Or the holder of Fig. 1 with the license plate shown in phantom as installed;
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 ox Fig. 3;
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of jig. 3; and Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 3.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED Embodiment Turning now to the drug and in particular to Figs. 1 and 2 thereof, a license plate holder 10 according to the present invention is illustrated as being configured for installation on a portion of a bumper 12 of an autumn-bile and for receiving and displaying a conventional license plate 14.
The invention license plate holder 10 is preferably formed as a molded plastic part which includes, generally, an open faced, box-like frame portion 16 for receiving the licellse plate Al a pelf Or laterally spaced, rearwardly extending flange portions 18 arrallged to be aligned with ~763 I
apertures 20 (owe shown formed through a bottom wall 22 of the bumper 12 to permit retention of the license plate holder 10 by suitable fasteners such as nut 24 and bolt 26, and a pair of laterally spaced, rearwardly extending r? boss portions 28 arranged to be aligned with apertures 30 (one shown) fumed through a front wall 32 of the bumper 12 for receiving in threaded engagement suitable fasteners such as the screw 34 shown in Fig. 2.
Turning next to Figs. 3 and 4, the frame portion 16 is illustrated as hiring continuously peripherally extending side walls 36 for surrounding the license plate 14~ the bottom wall 38 being pierced by a slot 40 two permit insertion of the plate 14.
The front wall I of frame portionjl6 is formed as Jan inwardly extending continuous flange which defines an aperture 44 through which the license plate 14 is displayed.
The outer surface 46 of the front wall 42 may be decoratively molded or otherwise configured to permit variations in outward appearance. A pair of bosses 48, each hazing a through hole 50 formed there through are integrally formed to extend inwardly from the bottom inner edge 52 of the front wall I
The rear wall 54 of frame portion 16 connects the top and bottom of the side walls 36 thereof. To reduce weight and enhance producibility by present molding techniques the rear wall 54 preferably is spaced as indicated at 56 from the sides of frame portion 16. A plurality of apertures 58 are formed through the rear wall 54 for reducing weight and enhancing flexibility of the invention license plate holder Also formed through the rear wall 54, as may best be seen in Fig. 7, is a pair of Halsey, which register with the through holes of front wall mounting bosses 48 to receive suitable fasteners (not shown) for securing the license plate lo to the invention holder 10.
us may best be seen in Fig. 3, extending inwardly from a front face 62 of rear wall 54 are a plurality of 63~L -elongated ribs Al Lucia extend horizontally and vertically with respect to the rear wall 54. The ribs 64 impart strength to the overall structure of the invention license plate holder 10 and enhance its impact resistance in use.
5 Gussets such as indicated at 65 may be formed with the ribs I Further strengtheIling is effected by a pair of vertically extending ribs 66,. also extending inwardly from the rear wall 54. The ribs 66 are symmetrically Arranged about and substantially displaced from the vertical center-10 line of the holder 10 and include, as may best be seen infix. 6, a projection 68 for resiliently urging eye license plate 11~ toward the rear face 70 of front wall 42 -to mini-mite rattling.
Extending outwardly from the rear face 72 of rear 15 wall 54 are the flange portions 18 and the boss portions 28.
The flange portions 18 include a support element 74 extending perpendicularly from the rear face 72 and having an upper face 76 shaped to abut tingly engage the bumper 12. A fastener-receiving through hole 78 is provided in the support element 20 for registration with bumper hole 20. Flange portions 18 further include integral horizontal and vertical brace elements 80 and 82, respectively, for strengthening the mounting con-section with the bumper 12. Similar strengthening is pro-voided at the connection associated with the bosses 28 25 through horizontal and vertical braces 84, 86, respectively, formed integrally with the bosses 28. The bosses 28 also include through holes 88 for registering with fastener-receiving bumper holes 30 and provide a rear face 90 which may be tapered as shown to securely engage the bumper 12.
While only one embodiment of the invention license plate holder 10 has been here described, others may be posy sidle without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (11)
1. A holder for an automobile license plate formed as a resilient, unitary, box-like molded element and comprising:
A. a unitary frame portion having continuously peripherally extending side walls for surrounding the plate, a front wall having an aperture formed therethrough for displaying the plate, and a rear wall including inte-grally formed stiffening portions for imparting bending resistance to the holder;
B. means defining an elongated slot through one of said sidewalls for permitting insertion of the plate; and C. a mounting portion extending rearwardly from said rear wall and adapted to abuttingly engage portions of the body of the automobile for attachment thereto.
A. a unitary frame portion having continuously peripherally extending side walls for surrounding the plate, a front wall having an aperture formed therethrough for displaying the plate, and a rear wall including inte-grally formed stiffening portions for imparting bending resistance to the holder;
B. means defining an elongated slot through one of said sidewalls for permitting insertion of the plate; and C. a mounting portion extending rearwardly from said rear wall and adapted to abuttingly engage portions of the body of the automobile for attachment thereto.
2. A holder as defined in Claim 1 and further comprising:
D. means defining aligned apertures in said front and rear walls for permitting fastening of the plate within said frame portion.
D. means defining aligned apertures in said front and rear walls for permitting fastening of the plate within said frame portion.
3. A holder as defined in Claims 1 wherein said rear wall stiffening portions comprise a plurality of elongated ribs projecting forwardly from said rear wall.
4. A holder as defined is Claim 3 and further comprising means defining a forwardly extending projection on a plurality of said ribs operative to resiliently urge the plate toward abutting engagement with said front wall.
5. A holder for an automobile license plate formed as a resilient, unitary, box-like molded element and comprising:
A. a unitary frame portion having continuously peripherally extending side walls for surrounding the plate, a front wall having an aperture formed therethrough for displaying the plate, and a rear wall including inte-grally formed stiffening portions for imparting bending resistance to the holder;
B. means defining an elongated slot through one of said sidewalls for permitting insertion of the plate; and C. means for mounting the holder on portions of the body of the automobile including:
1. a plurality of mounting flange portions inte-grally formed with an extending substantially perpendicularly from the rear of said rear wall and including means defining surfaces adapted to abuttingly engage generally hori-zontal portions of the body of the automobile for attachment thereto; and 2. a plurality of raised boss portions integrally formed with and extending rearwardly from said rear wall and including means defining sur-faces adapted to abuttingly engage generally vertical portions of the body of the automo-bile for attachment thereto.
A. a unitary frame portion having continuously peripherally extending side walls for surrounding the plate, a front wall having an aperture formed therethrough for displaying the plate, and a rear wall including inte-grally formed stiffening portions for imparting bending resistance to the holder;
B. means defining an elongated slot through one of said sidewalls for permitting insertion of the plate; and C. means for mounting the holder on portions of the body of the automobile including:
1. a plurality of mounting flange portions inte-grally formed with an extending substantially perpendicularly from the rear of said rear wall and including means defining surfaces adapted to abuttingly engage generally hori-zontal portions of the body of the automobile for attachment thereto; and 2. a plurality of raised boss portions integrally formed with and extending rearwardly from said rear wall and including means defining sur-faces adapted to abuttingly engage generally vertical portions of the body of the automo-bile for attachment thereto.
6. A holder as defined in Claim 5 and further comprising:
D. means defining aligned apertures in said front and rear walls for permitting fastening of the plate within said frame portion.
D. means defining aligned apertures in said front and rear walls for permitting fastening of the plate within said frame portion.
7. A holder as defined in Claim 5 and further comprising a plurality of brace portions integrally formed with each of both said flange portions and said boss portions and with said rear wall and operative to resist bending forces in both horizontal and vertical planes.
8. A holder as defined in Claims 5, 6 or 7 wherein said rear wall stiffening portions comprise a plurality of elongated ribs projecting forwardly from said rear wall.
9. A holder as defined in Claims 5, 6 or 7, wherein said rear wall stiffening portions comprise a plurality of elongated ribs projecting forwardly from said rear wall and further comprising means defining a forwardly extending projection on a plurality of said ribs operative to resilient-ly urge the plate toward abutting engagement with said front wall.
10. A holder for an automobile license plate formed as a resilient, unitary, box-like molded element and comprising:
A. a unitary frame portion having continuously peripherally extending side walls for surround-in the plate, a front wall having an aperture formed therethrough for displaying the plate, and a rear wall;
B. means defining an elongated slot through one of said sidewalls for permitting insertion of the plate;
C. a mounting portion extending rearwarly from said rear wall and adapted to abuttingly engage portions of the body of the automobile for attachment thereto; and D. means defining a plurality of projections integrally formed with and extending forwardly from said rear wall for resiliently urging the plate toward abutting engagement with said front wall.
A. a unitary frame portion having continuously peripherally extending side walls for surround-in the plate, a front wall having an aperture formed therethrough for displaying the plate, and a rear wall;
B. means defining an elongated slot through one of said sidewalls for permitting insertion of the plate;
C. a mounting portion extending rearwarly from said rear wall and adapted to abuttingly engage portions of the body of the automobile for attachment thereto; and D. means defining a plurality of projections integrally formed with and extending forwardly from said rear wall for resiliently urging the plate toward abutting engagement with said front wall.
11. A holder as defined in claim 2 wherein said rear wall stiffening portions comprise a plurality of elongated ribs projecting forwardly from said rear wall and further comprising means defining a forwardly extending projection on a plurality of said ribs operative to resilient-ly urge the plate toward abutting engagement with said front wall.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US33429381A | 1981-12-24 | 1981-12-24 | |
| US334,293 | 1981-12-24 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1217634A true CA1217634A (en) | 1987-02-10 |
Family
ID=23306538
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000413139A Expired CA1217634A (en) | 1981-12-24 | 1982-10-08 | License plate holder |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1217634A (en) |
-
1982
- 1982-10-08 CA CA000413139A patent/CA1217634A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |