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Description  |
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BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to means for protecting and improving the
appearance of vehicle license plates and the like, and more particularly,
to a new and improved license plate frame assembly which is adapted to be
secured directly to the license plate and serve the two-fold purpose of
enhancing the appearance thereof and protecting the plate from damage.
It is accordingly a generaly object of the present invention to provide a
new and improved license plate frame assembly for automotive license
plates and the like.
It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide a new
and improved license plate frame assembly that is attractive in appearance
and which may be positively secured to the associated license plate in a
manner so as to assure against inadvertent disassembly.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved
license plate frame assembly which includes attachment means that is
operable to permit assembly of the frame member of the license plate even
after the license plate has been secured to the associated vehicle.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and
improved license plate frame assembly wherein the frame member may be
provided with a decorative frontal face in order to enhance or complement
the decor of the associated vehicle.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a new and
improved license plate frame assembly, as above described, which may be
fabricated of a one-piece molded polymeric material or may be fabricated
of a die-cast metal or the like.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and
improved license plate frame assembly which is of a relatively simple
design, is economical to manufacture and will have a long and effective
operational life.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a new and
improved license plate frame assembly, as above described, which may, for
certain applications, be fixedly secured to the associated license plate
without requiring any ancillary fastening clips or the like, or
alternatively, may be operatively associated with such clips for use in
installing the frame assembly.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent
from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of one preferred embodiment of the
license plate frame assembly of the present invention, as shown in
operative association with a typical automotive vehicle license plate;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view, partially broken
away, of the rearward side of the frame member incorporated in the frame
assembly shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged transverse cross sectional view taken substantially
along the line 3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged transverse cross sectional view taken substantially
along the line 4--4 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is an elevated perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the
license plate frame assembly of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the frame assembly shown
in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view of the portion of
the frame assembly shown within the circle 7 of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view, similar to FIG. 7,
of a slightly modified embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is an elevated perspective view of a retaining clip incorporated in
the license plate frame assembly shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged transverse cross sectional view similar to FIGS. 3
and 4 and depicts another alternate embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the rearward side of
another alternate embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is an elevated perspective view of the portion of the frame
assembly shown in FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a transverse cross sectional view taken substantially along the
line 13--13 of FIG. 11;
FIG. 14 is a transverse cross sectional view taken substantially along the
line 14--14 of FIG. 11;
FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of a portion of the embodiment
substantially shown in FIG. 11;
FIG. 16 is a transverse cross sectional view taken substantially along the
line 16--16 of FIG. 15;
FIG. 17 is a front elevtional view of a vehicle license plate mounting
bracket;
FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the rearward side of another
alternative embodiment of a license plate frame in accordance with the
present invention particularly adapted for use with the bracket of FIG.
17;
FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view of the frame of FIG. 18 shown in
assembled relationship to the bracket of FIG. 17 and a conventional
license plate; the section being taken along line 19--19 of FIG. 17; and
FIG. 20 is a transverse sectional view of the frame of FIG. 18 shown in
assembled relationship to the bracket of FIG. 17 and a conventional
license plate, the section being taken along the line 20--20 of FIG. 17.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now in detail to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1-4
thereof, a license plate frame assembly 10, in accordance with one
preferred embodiment of the present invention, is shown in operative
association with a conventional license plate 12. The plate 12 is secured
by means of suitable screws, bolts or the like 14, which project through
conventional slots 16, to a suitable vehicle body panel or support member
17 in a manner well known in the art. Suitable elastomeric bumpers or the
like (not shown) may be provided between the rearward side of the plate 2
and the body panel 17 for reducing relative vibrational movement of the
plate 12.
The assembly 10 comprises a frame structure 18 which extends around the
marginal edge of the license plate 12 and encloses its outer periphery.
Toward this end, the frame structure 18 comprises laterally spaced side
sections 20 and 22, a top section 24 and a lower or bottom section 26, all
of which sections 20-26 are of uniform outward appearance and of uniform
cross sectional shape, with the exception of the means for retaining the
license plate 12 within the frame structure 18, as will hereinafter be
described. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sections 20-26 of the frame
assembly 10 comprise a frontal wall 28 which defines a forwardly
projecting decorative face 30. The frontal wall 28 is integrally connected
to a rearwardly projecting outer enclosure wall 32 and a rearwardly
projecting inner wall 34. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner wall 34 is
inclined inwardly and the marginal inner edge thereof is arranged so as to
terminate directly forwardly of the forward face of the license plate 12.
The sections 20-26 are preferably fabricated of a suitable molded
polymeric material, such as A.B.S. plastic, a high-impact polystyrene, or
the like, whereby the frame structure 18 may be fabricated of a one-piece
utilized or molded construction. It will be appreciated, of course, that
the frame structure 18 may be fabricated of various other materials and
may, for example, consist of a metallic die stamping or the like without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
As best seen in FIGS. 2-4, the rearward sides of the top and bottom
sections 24, 26 are provided with a plurality of laterally spaced ribs 36
which project between the outer and inner enclosure walls 32 and 34 at the
central portions of the sections 24, 26. The plurality of ribs 36 are
formed integrally of the frame structure 18 and are connected along their
rearwardmost portions by intermediate parts 38. The ribs 36 define
rearwardly facing openings 40 (see FIG. 2) and define confronting recesses
42 at the top section 24 and bottom section 26. In particular, the recess
42 defined by the ribs 36 on the top section 24 is open along the lower
edge thereof, while the recess 42 defined by the ribs 36 on the bottom
section 26 is open along the upper side thereof. The thickness or width of
the recesses 42 is approximately equal to the lateral thickness of the
upper and lower edges of the license plate 12 (including the peripheral
bead or ridge which is normally provided on such license plate 12 in order
to enhance the appearance and rigidity thereof), with the result that the
upper and lower edges of the license plate 12 are adapted to be nestingly
received within the recesses 42 for fixedly retaining the license plate
frame assembly 10 thereto.
In order to effect assembly of the frame structure 18 onto the license
plate 12, the plate 12 and structure 18 are aligned with one another in
end-to-end relationship and are then moved longitudinally of one another
such that one end of the license plate 12 moves into the recesses 42 along
the frame sections 24 and 26. Such relative longitudinal movement of the
frame structure 18 and license plate 12 is continued until the license
plate 12 moves into registry with the frame structure 18, i.e., is
centered between the side sections 20, 22, at which time the upper and
lower edges of the plate 12 are confined within the recesses 42. The plate
12 may be thereafter secured via the aforementioned screws, bolts or the
like 14 to the associated body panel 17, whereby to fixedly attach the
assembly 10 and plate 12 in their respective operative positions upon the
associated vehicle.
In accordance with the present invention, it is to be noted that the frame
structure 18, and in particular, the decorative face 30 thereof, is formed
with a pair of spaced parallel recesses 46, 48 which define a relieved
central area 50 therebetween. The area 50 may be provided with any
suitable matching or contrasting decorative material, for example, may be
formed by a suitable hot stamping operation with a leather-like or
woodgrain texture, whereby to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the
license plate frame assembly 10 of the present invention. Alternatively,
the frontal wall 28 may be provided with a relatively planar or flat
surface, such as is indicated at 52 in the slightly modified embodiment of
the frame structure 18 shown in FIG. 10. Of course, various alternative
designs may be utilized without departing from the scope or fair meaning
of the present invention.
Referring now to another embodiment of the present invention, and in
particular to FIGS. 5-7, a license plate frame assembly 60 is shown in
operative association with a vehicle license plate 62 which is adapted to
be secured to a suitable automotive vehicle body panel by screws, bolts or
the like 64. The license plate frame assembly 60 comprises a frame
structure having spaced parallel side sections 66, a top section 68 and a
bottom section 70, all of which are integrally connected, as was the case
with the aforedescribed frame structure 18. The sections 66-70 are
provided with a common frontal wall 72 defining a front or forward
decorative face 74. The sections 66-70 also comprise a rearwardly
extending outer enclosure wall 76 which is arranged at generally right
angles to the frontal wall 72, and with a rearwardly and inwardly inclined
inner enclosure wall 78.
As best seen in FIG. 6, the upper section 68 of the frame assembly is
formed with a downwardly extending flange 80 which is arranged generally
parallel to the frontal wall 72 and defines a recess 82 with the
rearwardmost edge of the inner enclosure wall 78 that is adapted to
nestingly receive the upper edge of the license plate 62. The bottom
section 70 of the frame assembly 60 is formed with another flange,
generally designated 84, which extends rearwardly of the frontal wall 72
and is arranged generally parallel to the outer enclosure wall 76 of the
bottom section 70, as best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7. The flange 84 defines a
recess 86 with the adjacent outer wall 76 which is adapted to nestingly
receive one leg section 88 of a generally L-shaped retaining clip 90 in
the manner best seen in FIG. 7. The clip 90 includes another upwardly and
forwardly inclined leg 92 which is adapted to bear against the rearward
side of the associated license plate 62 upon assembly of the frame 60
thereto in a manner hereinafter to be described. The outer enclosure wall
portion 76 of the frame assembly 60 is formed with a bore or opening 94
which is aligned with another bore 96 formed in the leg section 88 of the
clip 90. The bores 94, 96 are aligned with another bore 98 which is formed
in the flange section 84, whereby a suitable screw, bolt or the like 100
may be threadably received within the aligned bores 94-98 for fixedly
retaining the clip 90 and hence the license plate 92 within the frame
assembly 60. The screw 100 may be of the self-tapping type or instead, one
or more of the bores 94-98 may be internally threaded and adapted for
threaded reception of the screw 100.
In order to effect installation of the frame assembly 60, the upper edge of
the license plate 62 is initially inserted into the recess 82 and
thereafter the frame assembly 60 may be pivoted from the position shown in
FIG. 5 to the position shown in FIG. 6 whereupon the license plate 62 and
frame assembly 60 are oriented generally coplanar of one another.
Thereafter, the leg 80 of the clip 92 may be inserted into the recess 86
to a position wherein the bore 96 thereof is aligned with the bores 94 and
98 and the leg 92 resiliently engages the rearward side of the plate 62
and biases the same into engagement with the rearwardmost portion of the
inner enclosure wall 78. Thereafter, the screw 100 may be threadably
received within the bores 94-98 to retain the frame assembly 60 to the
plate 62. One particular advantage of the aforedescribed type of assembly
resides in the fact that the frame assembly 60 may be conveniently
installed on the license plate 62 after the plate 62 is mounted upon the
associated vehicle and without necessitating removal of the plate 62.
Additionally, because the screw 100 is located at the underside of the
assembly 60, the outward appearance of the assembly 60 is in no way
affected thereby.
FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a slightly modified embodiment wherein the top
section 68 of the frame assembly 60, instead of being formed with the
aforedescribed downwardly extending flange 80, is formed with a rearwardly
extending flange 102 which is arranged generally parallel to the outer
enclosure wall 76 and defines a recess 104 therewith. The recess 104 is
adapted to nestingly receive one leg section 106 of a generally L-shaped
retaining clip 108, the other leg 110 of which is adapted to bear against
the rearward side of the associated license plate in much the same manner
as the aforedescribed clip 90. The clip 108 is adapted to be secured
within the recess 104 by means of a suitable stamped ear or tang portion
112 having a relatively sharp inclined point thereon such that once the
leg section 106 thereof is installed or inserted into the recess 104, the
clip 108 will be fixedly secured to the associated frame assembly. The leg
section 110 of the clip 108 is adapted to function in essentially the same
manner as the aformentioned flange 80 and may be installed onto the frame
assembly prior to installation of the frame assembly onto the associated
license plate. In other words, once the clip 108 is installed in the
recess 104, the upper edge of the associated license plate may be inserted
into the recess defined between the downwardly extending leg 110 and the
inner enclosure wall 78, as seen in FIG. 8. Thereafter, the lower edge of
the license plate may be secured to the associated frame assembly, such as
by the aforementioned retaining clip 90. It is to be noted that with the
arrangement shown in FIGS. 5-9, there is no fastening means exposed (other
than the screw 100) whereby to detract from the appearance of the frame
assembly. Additionally, the frontal wall 72 may be provided with any
suitable decoration or may be colored in any contrasting complementary
manner with regard to the remaining portions of the frame assembly 60, as
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
FIGS. 11 through 16 illustrate yet another modified embodiment comprising a
one-piece, rectangular frame member 118 having a plurality of integral,
inwardly extending tabs 120, 121 and 122, running generally perpendicular
to outer enclosure wall 125. As exhibited in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, tabs
120, 121 and 122 cooperate with frontal wall 124 so as to define a
plurality of license plate edge receiving slots 126, which slots 126
provide positive means for receiving the periphery of the plate so as to
positively retain the frame 118 thereon, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. Thus
the tabs 120, 121 and 122 are functionally similar to flange 80 shown in
FIG. 6, in preventing the frame 118 from separating from license plate 116
in a direction normal to the plane defined by license plate 116.
Additionally, tabs 122 tend to restrict the transverse movement of frame
118 with respect to license plate 116.
Tabs 120 are spaced apart a distance labeled "A" in FIG. 11, which distance
cooresponds to the spacing of the lower license plate mounting openings
and are provided with locating bores 128, which bores adapt tabs 120 to
accept the passage of the license plate mounting fasteners 130, as shown
in FIG. 14. Thus, tabs 120 assure the positive attachment of frame 118 to
the body of the vehicle, a portion of which is shown as 134 in FIG. 14,
thereby reducing the potential for both unacceptable vibration and
inadvertent detachment of frame 118. Also, since the insertion of
fasteners 130 through both the locating bores 128 and the license plate
mounting holes will effectively immobilize license plate 116 with respect
to frame 118, the retention of license plate 116 within frame 118 is
enhanced. This feature may be especially desirable for off-road or other
heavy-duty operation. Additionally, the tabs 120 simplify the centering of
license plate 116 in frame 118, as proper alignment between the plate and
frame is achieved when locating bores 128 register with the mounting holes
provided in license plate 116. Although tabs 120 are illustrated in FIGS.
11 and 15 as being associated with the lower side of frame 118, said tabs
may be located on the upper side of frame 118 if the particular
application so requires. The orientation of tabs 120 with respect to the
remainder of frame 118 is shown more particularly by FIG. 15, which
depicts the exposed portions of the frame. Tabs 120, 121 and 122 may have
a simple planar, rectangular shape as illustrated in FIGS. 11 through 16,
or alternatively, a more complex configuration, as will be appreciated by
those skilled in the art.
A comparison of FIGS. 13, 14 and 16 will reveal that the cross sectional
dispositions of frontal wall 124 and inner enclosure wall 127 are altered
in those areas which correspond to tabs 120, 121 and 122 such that the
spaces between frontal wall 124, inner enclosure wall 127, outer enclosure
wall 125 and tabs 120, 121 and 122 are defined by two substantially
parallel faces 129 and 131 and opposing face 133, as shown in FIGS. 13 and
14. These altered cross sections provide additional strength and more
positive license plate retention, as the bead or semi-cylindrical raised
surface formed around the periphery of the license plate may bear on flat
surfaces 129, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.
Insertion of license plate 116 into frame 118 may be accomplished by
manually displacing tab 121, or either of tabs 122 or both of tabs 120,
such that license plate 116 may be slidingly engaged with frame 118, at
which time the previously displaced tab(s) may be restored to their
original position. A preferred manner of assembly would be to manually
displace tab 121 as described such that license plate 116 can be slidingly
engaged with tabs 120 and tabs 122.
If frame 118 and its associated tabs are constructed of a material which
will not readily tolerate repeated plastic deformation without failure due
to attendant work hardening, such as die cast zinc, the deletion of tabs
122 on the vertical sides of frame 118 will permit the installation of
license plate 116 within frame 118 without the necessity of any
displacement of the remaining tabs. In some applications, the additional
license plate retention force afforded by tabs 122 may not be required,
and if so, said tabs may be omitted, whether or not the work-hardening
characteristics of the frame's material would otherwise indicate such
omission.
Although tabs 120, 121 and 122 need not provide elastic deformation induced
clamping force on license plate 116 in order to properly retain the
license plate, this feature may be included.
In some vehicles, the design of the license plate support bracket is such
as to prevent the use of a frame assembly having tab portions on the
vertical members such as the type illustrated in FIG. 11. Such a support
bracket is illustrated in FIG. 17 and indicated generally at 136. Support
bracket 136 is generally rectangular in shape and has vertically extending
edge portions 138 and 140 rolled outwardly so as to form opposed recesses
142 and 144 which are adapted to receive the lateral edges of a license
plate. A pair of spaced recessed portions 146 and 148 are provided along
the lower edge 150 thereof each of which is provided with a conventional
threaded insert 152 adapted to receive a fastener for securing the license
plate in operative relationship thereto. A pair of spaced recessed
portions 154 and 155 are also provided approximately centrally located
between the upper and lower edges 156 and 150 respectively of bracket 136
and are each provided with an opening 158 therein for receiving bolts 159
to secure the support bracket to a portion of the motor vehicle. While
license plate securing means are illustrated on support bracket 136 at the
lower edge thereof, it should be noted that they may also be provided at
appropriate locations along edge 158 in place or in addition thereto.
In order to accommodate rolled edges 138 and 140 of support bracket 136, a
modified frame assembly in accordance with the present invention is
illustrated in FIG. 18 indicated generally at 166. Frame 166 is very
similar to frame 118 of FIG. 11 having upper and lower horizontally
extending portions 168 and 170 which are interconnected at their ends by
vertically extending portions 172 and 174 all of which are of a cross
sectional shape substantially identical to the corresponding portions of
frame 118 with tab portions 122 removed. Thus, vertical extending members
will be of a generally L-shaped cross section having an outer enclosure
wall 176, a frontal wall portion 178 defining an inwardly and rearwardly
beveled portion 180 which is adapted to receive and conceal rolled edges
138 and 140.
Upper horizontal portion 168 is provided with a centrally located
rearwardly disposed depending flange portion 182 which in cooperation with
surface 208 of a frontal wall portion 210 defines a recess 212 adapted to
receive an edge portion 214 of license plate 192.
Lower horizontal portion 170 is provided with an elongated inwardly
projecting rearwardly disposed flange element 194 which is provided with a
pair of spaced openings 196 and 198 therein which openings are positioned
so as to align with openings provided in license plate 192. As seen in
FIG. 20, flange element 194 in combination with surface 200 of frontal
wall portion 202 defines a recess 204 adapted to receive both edge 206 of
license plate 192 and edge portion 150 of support bracket 136. Similary,
flange element 182 in combination with surface 208 of frontal wall portion
210 defines a recess 212 adapted to receive edge 214 of license plate 192
along with edge 156 of bracket 136. Ribs 216 may be provided along flange
element 182 in order to insure proper engagement of frame 166 with both
bracket 136 and license plate 192. Alternatively, flange element 182 may
be fabricated with a slightly greater thickness should this be desired.
Thus, in order to install frame 166 in operative relationship with support
bracket 136 and license plate 192, license plate 192 is first positioned
on support bracket 136 by sliding edge portions 218 and 220 into recesses
142 and 144. Fasteners 222 may then be partially installed so as to retain
license plate 192 in position on support bracket 136. Thereafter frame 166
may be installed by slipping flange element 194 behind support bracket 136
and thereafter deforming depending flange portion 182 over upper edge
portion 214 of license plate 192 and edge 156 of bracket 136. Thereafter,
fasteners 222 may be tightened and will extend through openings 196 and
198 in flange element 194 so as to aid in retaining frame 166 in installed
relationship thereto. A suitable nut may then be installed on the exposed
end 224 of fasteners 222 so as to secure frame 166 thereto or
alternatively, openings 196 and 198 may be suitably threaded so as to
threadedly engage fasteners 222. It should also be noted that if support
bracket 136 is secured to the vehicle along the lower edge thereof and/or
adapted to receive license plate fasteners along the upper edge thereof,
frame 166 may easily be inverted and installed in like manner as described
above. Also, if desired, frame 166 may be installed by deforming portion
194 over license plate 192 and bracket 136 after slipping flange 182 into
position if desired. Also, while flange portions 182 and 194 need not
provide elastic deformation induced clamping force on license plate 116 or
bracket 136, this feature may be included if desired. In some cases it may
be necessary to assemble frame 166 with one or both of flange elements 182
and 194 disposed between license plate 192 and bracket 136 due to lack of
clearance between edges 146 and/or 156.
Each of the embodiments are adapted to accept any of the previously
mentioned cosmetic treatments which may be applied to the frontal walls
thereof, including but not limited to hot stamping with colors, a
woodgrain effect, etc.
While it will be apparent that the preferred embodiments of the invention
disclosed are well calculated to fulfill the objects above stated, it will
be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification,
variation and change without departing from the proper scope or fair
meaning of the subjoined claims.
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