GB2424306A

GB2424306A - Vehicle plate support with suction cups.

Info

Publication number: GB2424306A
Application number: GB0603538A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Timothy Michael Sanders; Ian Malkin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-02-22
Filing date: 2006-02-22
Publication date: 2006-09-20
Also published as: GB0503651D0; GB0603538D0

Abstract

A support for various plates associated with vehicles is provided. The support comprises a rigid member having a channel portion defined therein and a vacuum suction cup member 49. The channel portion engages with the edge of a plate to locate the plate and support it. The suction cup retains the support on the vehicle. The plate may be a registration plate, trade plate, learner plate, hazardous substances plate or a sales plate indicating vehicle model, etc. The support is preferably provided in pairs to be used one at each end of the plate, although it may be used singly. A polymeric gripping member may be disposed in the channel to help retain the plate. One, two or three suction cups may be provided.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO VEHICLE PLATE SUPPORTS

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to vehicle plate supports and, in particular, relates to supports for solid vehicular plates such as temporary or replacement registration plates, advertising plates or the like.

Background to the Invention

It is a requirement in most countries for automobiles and other road vehicles to be registered and to display such registration details on a metal or plastics plate on an exterior of the vehicle. Such vehicle plates are frequently referred to as number plates or registration plates oftentimes, in certain countries, being referred to as license plates, since vehicle 1 5 license details may also be present upon the face of such a metal or plastics plate. Typically, vehicular plates will be mounted on a front surface of the vehicle and on a rear surface of vehicle, so that these could be used for purposes varying from identification for police, identification for toll road systems and do, in fact, assist drivers in locating their vehicles when parked adjacent to similar vehicles.

: : When a vehicle is sold, car dealerships will present vehicle model details such as *: :::* name and type or the dealerships logo / other details upon a metal or plastics plate, which is mounted within the space normally reserved for a registration plate. In the case of used car : .* showrooms, the vehicle model details plate will almost certainly be attached upon a pre- * 25 existing plate. In the case of untaxed vehicles used upon a road, trade plates may also be * temporarily affixed to a vehicle. **** *S. *

In another scenario, commercial vehicle operators will frequently have each commercial vehicle tractor operable to pull several trailer units. Each time a commercial vehicle tractor changes its trailer unit, the driver of the commercial vehicle tractor will be required to ensure that the trailer unit displays a registration plate corresponding to the commercial vehicle tractor unit.

In the above scenarios, it will be realised that there is a need to be able to present temporary vehicle identification plates at the front and rear of vehicle. Presently, there are a number of ways whereby such temporary plates are presented.

One frequently used method is to employ rubber bands made from a vehicle lyre inner tube, whereby a temporary identification plate is attached about the existing identification plate. The existing identification plate must allow access to enable a rubber band to be inserted around the rear face of the plates, and it is common that the temporary registration plate is obscured in some fashion. Other methods of attaching identification plates include the use of materials having corresponding interlocking hook and barb pads; self-adhesive pads and similar systems which rely upon the use of gum-like substances which can be difficult to remove after use and/or leave a sticky residue. It may be that the existing identification plate is manufactured from an acrylic plastics material and is snapped into several pieces in an attempt to detach the temporary identification plate.

In a car showroom, it will be realised that each car should be presented in the most aesthetically pleasing fashion as is possible: temporary plates must not detract from such aesthetic qualities. Accordingly, the use of rubber bands or similar methods of attaching a vehicle plate is unsatisfactory. In some instances a template with many holes is attached to a * 20 vehicle to provide a ready drilled base, but this increases cost. In some situations, the :.. temporary plate replaces the actual vehicle identification plate. This requires much time and *e.e *** patience in the fitment thereof. Furthermore, there is no common mounting scheme for * motor vehicle registration plates and holes present in any temporary vehicle identification * : plate may not correspond with the holes present in an identification plate mounting system associated with a particular car. S. S *S..

* . There are certain products on the market, which have been manufactured to address *S*S such issues. One such device comprises two co-operating plastic dual channel devices, which are connected to each other by means of an elasticated band. However, this device does not operate with all registration vehicle plates, and can provide a support which is not sufficiently secure to enable the support to be employed on vehicles for road use.

Object of the Invention The present invention seeks to provide an improved vehicle plate support device.

The present invention seeks to provide a vehicle plate support device, which can enable simple transfer of vehicle plates.

TLhe present invention seeks to provide an easy to use and aesthetically pleasing vehicle plate support device.

The present invention also seeks to provide a vehicle plate support device operable for static display of vehicles and to enable road use for such vehicles whilst retaining a vehicle 1 0 plate securely.

Statement of Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle plate support, comprising a rigid member and a plastics vacuum member; wherein the rigid member has a front surface, a rear surface and a channel portion defined therein, whereby to enable an edge of a vehicle plate to locate therein; the plastics vacuum member comprising a vacuum suction base at a first end and having an attachment member at an opposite end; the rear surface of the rigid member having an aperture operable to engage with the attachment end of the plastics vacuum member; the arrangement being such that the rigid member can locate * around an edge of a vehicle plate and can support the vehicle plate with respect to a vehicle by * means of the plastics vacuum member. **S.

:.: . Conveniently each channel within each rigid member retains a polymeric gripping 25 member therein, whereby to secure retention with a vehicle plate. Each channel has a * longitudinal axis, which axis may be rectilinear or curvilinear dependent upon the edge shape : : . of the vehicle plate to be retained. Each rigid member may be provided with one or more S...

vacuum members.

By means of the invention, using one or more rigid members, a vehicle plate can be securely retained to an outside surface of a vehicle. The vacuum attachment means can readily attach to smooth surfaces such as the exterior surface of an acrylic number plate or a portion of a undamaged, painted surface of a car body.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of attaching a vehicle plate to a vehicle using rigid members in conjunction with vacuum members made in accordance with the invention.

This invention is particularly advantageous in the provision of a low cost vehicle plate attachment system, which enables secure attachment of the plate to a vehicle, yet is readily detachable.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, when used for commercial vehicular tractor/trailer units, the system is amenable to the regular changing of trailer vehicle plates for a particular tractor unit; the plates can readily be exchanged.

Brief Description of the Figures

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the Figures as shown in the accompanying drawing sheets, wherein:- Figure 1 illustrates a first known vehicle plate retention system; Figure 2 illustrates a second known vehicle plate retention system; Figure 3 illustrates a first vehicle plate support system made in accordance with the present invention; * 20 Figure 4, shows a plan view of the embodiment shown in figure 3; * Figure 5 details a sectional view through A -A of Figure 4; *** * S. .. Figure 6 details a sectional view through further alternative embodiment; .: :* Figure 7 details part of a channel section of a vehicle plate holder; *:. Figure 8 shows a learner plate supported by a single vehicle plate holder in accordance the invention; * . Figure 9 shows an oval vehicle plate retained by a vehicle plate holder, comprising two support units in accordance the invention; and, *SSS Figure 10 shows a hazardous substances indication plate retained by a vehicle plate holder, comprising two support units in accordance the invention.

Detailed description of the Preferred Embodiments

There will now be described, by way of example only, the best mode contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the present invention. In the following description, numerous specific details are set out in order to provide a complete understanding to the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be put into practice with variations of the specific.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a front of a vehicle 10 with a vehicle plate 14 mounted thereon. A temporary plate 12 is attached by means of elastic bands 16 about the existing vehicle plate 14 and the temporary plate 12. The elastic bands can be simply manufactured, for example, from used vehicle wheel inner tubes. These bands are simple to use, but they provide a problem in that the band lying across the front of the temporary plate 12 can restrict the legibility of a sign or indicia on such a plate.

Figure 2 shows a further known method of attaching a secondary vehicle plate 22 to an existing vehicle plate 24, comprising two plastics components 26, each having a first channel, which locates with an edge of the existing vehicle plate 24 and a second channel, which locates with an edge of the secondary vehicle plate. An elasticated component, in use, acts to draw the plastics components together, such that the secondary plate is gripped from two opposing edges and this locates/engages with the corresponding edges of the existing vehicle plate. As will be appreciated this does not provide a necessarily secure vehicle plate retention system and cannot reliably be placed on vehicles for use other than static display.

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With reference to Figure 3, there is shown a first embodiment of the present 0**i *1* invention. A surface of a vehicle body 30 is shown with an insert area 32 for locating a : vehicle plate. The vehicle plate support system comprises two members 36, which are * removably attached to the identification plate insert area of a vehicle body by means of I..

polymeric suction cups, to be referred hereon as plastics vacuum members (see Figure 4) and * * into which area a vehicle plate can be placed, each member 36 having a longitudinal channel defmcd therein, which channel is shaped to accept and retain the edge of a vehicle plate. The plastics vacuum member can comprise a vacuum suction member as is known and widely employed, being of a general conical shape: with a base at a first end, operable to attach in vacuum fashion to a generally smooth surface and having at the apex of the cone, at an opposite end to the base, an attachment member, the attachment member being referred to as a nipple, for convenience. The rear surface of the rigid member has an aperture operable to engage with the nipple of the plastics vacuum member.

The channels can be open at a top part (when used as shown), so that alternative temporary plates may readily be inserted. In the alternative, channels may be closed at both ends of the longitudinal channels whereby, once the support is attached to a vehicle, the plate is securely attached and the temporary/secondary vehicle plate, cannot be replaced without first breaking the seal of a plastics vacuum member, which is connected to a vehicle body portion. This would be suitable, for example, when a vehicle is desired to be used upon a road: the plate would be held securely. As will be known to the skilled man, the surface to which the plastics vacuum member is placed must be suitably smooth - such as that offered by an undamaged, painted vehicle body part, not being an edge portion, whereby the support can be retained in place, once positioned with due care, indefinitely. Equally the vacuum members can attach themselves directly to a surface of an existing vehicle plate. I)ifferent polymeric materials can be used in the manufacture of the plastics vacuum member so that thermal cycling, windage and other considerations can be taken into account. Applicants have found that a plastics vacuum member of four centimetres in diameter manufactured from 1 5 poly-vinyl-chloride (PVC) and which are widely available from a number of specialist suppliers is particularly suitable. Nevertheless, different types of plastics vacuum member have been found to be suitable. The rigid member can be manufactured from an ultra-violet (u.v.) stabiised polycarbonate plastics material.

Figure 4 shows a single support member 40 having a front surface 42, which is operable to surround an edge portion of a vehicle plate, and an inside a rear surface 44, is *41 a a. provided with two apertures 46, which enable the nipple portion 48 of the vacuum member 49 to locate therein. Other shapes of the hole are possible to enable the nipple to locate therein. Reference 47 indicates a stop at a lower portion of any channel, whereby to prevent a I..

vehicle plate from slipping downwardly, out of the channel. The plastics vacuum member * .: may have metal fastening means, for example. Conveniently, the channel is dimensioned such a that it grips with the vehicle plate edge and is manufactured from a plastics material, which a. a.

enables a resilient grip therewith. Secondary resilient, gripping members may also be inserted.

Figure 5 shows a section through A - A of Figure 4, and comprises a generally "E-shaped" support.

Referring now to Figure 6 shows a variant support 60 is shown, wherein the channel defined in a section is manufactured in a more complex fashion, but is provided with web portions 64, which web portions act to strengthen the arrangement, optiniising the use of a plastics material for strength. It will be noted that distance D, determined by the dimensions of the mould, is of sufficient si2e to enable the depth d of the nipple 62 of locating end of the plastics vacuum member 49 to locate without likelihood of disengagement of the nipple through the aperture in the support member 66. Figure 7 details a further variant wherein a polymeric insert is provided to resiliently grip with a vehicle plate inserted into a channel.

Polymeric member 72 is adapted to enable a temporary plate to slip in the channel, but provide a greater resistance to removal therefrom. Two such inserts may be provided, Of course, screw fastening means or other means may also be provided to enable a more secure connection of a plate with a plate support member.

For certain vehicle signs such as rigid square learner plates, as shown in Figure 8, or oval license plates, as shown in figure 9, as used in certain countries, a single support may be appropriate. The vehicle plate support may be curvilinear to ensure good retention with a corresponding curvilinear edge of a vehicle plate. Three or more vacuum members 96 may be provided to compensate for the use of only one support. As shown in Figure 9, a secondary support 94 may be used -- which may have only one plastics vacuum member 96. Hazardous substances notification plates, as shown in Figure 10, could be attached using two vehicle plate supports in accordance with the invention. * _e 1* ) 1'. Jest U *e * C * SI.

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Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A vehicle plate support, comprising a rigid member and a

plastics vacuum member; wherein the rigid member has a front surface, a rear surface and a channel portion defmed therein, whereby to enable an edge of a vehicle plate to locate therein; the plastics vacuum member comprising a vacuum suction base at a first end and having an attachment member at an opposite end; the rear surface of the rigid member having an aperture operable to engage with the attachment end of the plastics vacuum member; the arrangement being such that the rigid member can locate around an edge of a vehicle plate and can support the vehicle plate with respect to a vehicle by means of the plastics vacuum member.
2. A vehicle plate support according to claim 1, wherein each channel retains a polymeric gripping member therein, whereby to secure retention with a vehicle plate.
3. A vehicle plate support according to claim I or 2 wherein each channel has a longitudinal axis, which axis is curvilinear.
4. A vehicle plate support according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each channel has a longitudinal axis, which axis is rectilinear.
5. A vehicle plate support according to any preceding claim, wherein each rigid member has two or more vacuum members. * S.
6. A vehicle plate support system comprising two vehicle plate supports in * accordance with any one of claims I to 5, each vehicle plate support acting to attach with an * edge portion of a plate; the vacuum member being operable to engage with and attach in *:. 30 vacuum fashion to a vehicle surface.

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