Vehicle Mounted Safe

This invention is embodied in a vehicle mounted safe that also can be used as a license plate frame. This invention provides a safe and hidden method to hide car key and small valuables outside the cabin of the vehicle. This is particularly advantageous on an outdoor adventure where it is not desirable to carry car keys (surfing, hiking, running, snowboarding, car-rental, car-sharing, etc.) or in a. The invention (a) stores keys and valuables, (2) makes it easier to swap out license plates, and (3), prevents theft of the license plate—all without the need for any tools or screws. The metal design can block the RFID signals from a smart key.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to devices for locking valuables, and more particularly to devices for locking valuables within a frame for holding automobile license plates.

BACKGROUND

There are many situations where it would be advantageous to be able to lock car keys and other valuables on a car-mounted safe. For example, when adventuring outdoors (surfing, hiking, running, snowboarding, etc.), many people do not want to take their car keys and other valuables with them. It would be advantageous to be able to lock car keys and other valuables on a car-mounted safe. Likewise, in car-rental or car-sharing scenarios, it would be advantageous to be able to lock a key on the outside of a vehicle. While there are various “hide-a-key” options available, those options are well-known and thieves know where to look for them (under wheel wells, bumpers, etc.)

In addition, car dealerships often must switch out dealer plates during the sales process. While it is not particularly difficult to change two screws, it does take time.

What is needed is a lockable storage device that is mounted to a car in an unexpected way, and one that makes it easier to switch out one license plate for another.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

This invention is embodied in a safe that can be mounted to a vehicle where the rear license plate would be mounted. The vehicle-mounted safe doubles as a frame for the license plate, which prevents the license plate from being stolen. In addition, the safe can also store keys and other valuables. The metal design also blocks the RFID signal from a smart key. This invention can be used on any vehicle that uses a license plate (e.g., cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, etc.)

This invention provides a safe and hidden method to hide a car key and small valuables on the outside of the vehicle while preventing license plate theft. This is particularly advantageous on an outdoor adventure where it is not desirable to have to bring car keys (surfing, hiking, running, snowboarding, car-rental/car-sharing scenario, etc.).

The novel feature of this invention is that it (a) stores valuables, like a key, (2) prevents theft of the license plate, and (3) makes it easier to swap out license plates—all without the need for any tools or screws.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This invention is embodied by the device shown inFIGS.1-7. The preferred device10is a license plate holder that also comprises a lockable interior compartment12. As shown inFIG.3, the device10has a base frame14and a door16. A hinge18connects the base frame14to the door16. It is preferred to manufacture the device10out of metal. Among other things, metal can block RFID signals from a smart key.

The base frame14comprises a backwall20and side walls22. The backwall20has holes24for fasteners that can secure the base frame14to a car. Typically, the fasteners would be threaded machine screws. A lock26is preferably mounted to the sidewall on the opposite side as the hinge18. It is preferred to have a combination lock so that no key is needed. An optional insert28can be connected to the sidewalls. See,FIGS.4-5. The primary purpose of the optional insert28it to hold items inside the interior compartment12when the door16is open.

The door16preferably comprises two elements: a plate frame29and a plate backer32. The plate frame29is for holding a license plate42. Tabs30retain the license plate within the plate frame29on the top side. The plate frame29further comprises plate frame walls36that retain the license plate within the plate frame29on the three sides. On the fourth side is a slot34for receiving a license plate. When the door16is in the open position, the slot is open and a user can slide a license plate in or out. When the door16is closed, extension wall38covers the slot so the license plate cannot be removed.

The extension wall38is connected to the top of the side wall22of the base frame14. It is preferred that the extension wall38be molded as one piece with the base frame14, but other methods of joining the extension wall38to the base frame14could also work. It is preferred to wrap the extension wall38onto adjacent side walls22for additional structural stability as shown inFIG.4.

The plate backer32holds the license plate within the plate frame29on the back side. That way when the door16is open the plate42stays within the plate frame29and does not fall out on the back side. Optional spring tabs40can be used on the plate backer to keep the license plate fixed within the frame and to keep the plate from rattling around. The spring tabs40are configured to bias the plate42upward against the top inside of the plate frame29.

The preferred way to use the device10is to first mount it to a car using machine screws via the holes24in the back wall20. Once the device is mounted to the car, the device10can be used to hold a license plate and to lock keys and other valuables inside the interior compartment12.

To install a license plate, the door16must be in the open position. When the door16is open, a user can add or remove a license plate via slot34.

With the door16open, keys and other valuable can be added to the interior compartment12. Optional insert28can be used to hold items in the interior compartment when the door is open.

When the door16is closed, extension wall38will cover the slot34so that the license plate can no longer be removed or replaced. When the door is closed, lock26can engage receiver44to lock the contents of the interior compartment12. Receiver44is preferably mounted to the inside face of the door12. Receiver44is configured to mate with the lock26in the locked position.

While the invention has been described by means of specific embodiments, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those ordinarily skilled in the art without departing from the score and spirit disclosed herein. For example, the description and drawings shown are primarily directed to an automobile license plate embodiment. But a person of skill in the art could adapt these teachings to fit a motorcycle or other vehicle without departing from the spirit of the invention.