This invention relates to a frame assembly for a license plate. More particularly, the invention relates to a frame assembly for a license plate that incorporates a camera and a lighting mechanism to assist camera operation in low lighting conditions.
A motor vehicle operator utilizes a rear view mirror to see an area behind the motor vehicle. The rear view mirror does not, however, allow the operator to view a space immediately behind the rear of the motor vehicle. This space is typically referred to as a rear blind spot. The rear blind spot is especially problematic in sport utility vehicles and minivans.
To address this problem, various rear vision systems have been developed that provide the motor vehicle operator with a complete view of the space behind the motor vehicle. Typically, such a rear vision system includes at least one rearwardly facing camera mounted on the motor vehicle. The camera transmits an image to a display device in a passenger compartment enabling the motor vehicle operator to view a real time rearward image. It is, however, difficult to receive a clear signal from the camera in covered areas or at night. Thus, rear vision systems also incorporate a lighting mechanism to illuminate the space behind the motor vehicle. These added systems detract from the aesthetics of the motor vehicle and require additional fasteners to attach to the vehicle.
The disadvantages of the prior art may be overcome by providing a license plate holder fitted with a camera and rearward lighting. According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a license plate holder mountable at the rear of a motor vehicle. The holder has a frame assembly that includes a housing. A camera is mounted within the housing and produces a rearward image. A light is fixedly secured to the housing for rearward illumination. The light assists the camera in producing the rearward image during low lighting conditions.
Advantages of the invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
Referring to
Referring to
The base frame 20 includes an upper segment 24, a lower segment 26, and sides 28, 30 extending therebetween. The upper 24 and lower 26 segments and the sides 28, 30 define the opening 22. The upper segment 24 has thickness that is greater than the thickness of the lower segment 26. The base frame 20 also includes apertured mounting tabs 32 along the upper 24 and lower 26 segments for receiving a fastener to attach the base frame 20 to the motor vehicle 16. The base frame 20 is preferably molded from an organic plastic material, preferably of an opaque color.
A cover 34 is secured to the base frame 20. The cover 34 includes apertured mounting tabs 38 that align with the mounting tabs 32 of the base frame 20 enabling the license plate holder to be secured the cover 34 and to the vehicle 16 with suitable fasteners. The cover 34 is preferably transparent, and is formed from acrylic, polycarbonate, or a like material.
The shape of the cover 34 complements that of the base frame 20, i.e., the cover 34 is generally rectangular and defines a cover opening or window 36. It is, however, contemplated that the cover 34 may be formed without the cover opening 36 so that the cover 34 extends over the entire license plate 12, as illustrated in broken lines in
Referring to
A camera 44, a camera light 54, and a license plate light 56 are each disposed within the interior 42 to receive or project light through the respective windows 40, 53, 57. The cover 34 protects the camera 44, the camera light 54, and the license plate light 56 from damage that could be caused by tampering and the environment, namely sun, rain, dust, salt, etc.
Referring specifically to
The camera 44 may be incorporated as part of a rear vision system, which includes a display screen (not shown) positioned within a passenger compartment 52 of the motor vehicle 16. The camera 44 produces an image that is then transmitted to the display screen to provide the motor vehicle operator with a real-time rearward image. Alternatively, the camera 44 may be connected to a simple notification that may merely alerts the motor vehicle operator that an object is present in the rear blind spot. A notification device may include a light or a noise generator.
The camera 44 is activated when the motor vehicle 16 is shifted into reverse gear to provide the motor vehicle operator with a rearward field of view 51 while backing up the motor vehicle 16. Alternatively, the camera 44 may be activated at all times during motor vehicle operation to assist the motor vehicle operator while driving.
Referring to
Generally, activation of the camera light 54 will coincide with that of the camera 44, that is, the camera light 54 will be activated when the motor vehicle 16 is shifted into reverse gear. In a preferred embodiment, the camera light 54 is a light emitting diode (LED) or an array of LED's disposed along the upper segment 24 of the base frame 20.
The license plate light 56 is also fixedly secured to the base frame 20 along circuit board 55 thereof. The license plate light 56 illuminates the license plate 12, and is activated with running lights 58 of the motor vehicle 16. In the preferred embodiment, the license plate light 56 is an LED or array of LED's.
The invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings and thus the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60515877 | Oct 2003 | US |