Interchangeable display system for art ornaments on motor vehicles

A display system that temporarily but securely displays a variety of large-sized interchangeable display objects atop vehicle rooftops for eye-catching public broadcast. The display system comprises a display object and a common, reusable base. The display object combines an art ornament with a display object connection assembly that matingly connects to a base connection assembly without the use of tools. The base is releasably secured to vehicle rooftops using an array of magnets. Intended for personal use, the display system is designed to be more convenient and aesthetic than commercial displays allowing users to display a variety of interchangeable display objects with associated art ornaments, communicating different messages based on changes in the seasons, their activities and interests, their mood, or other factors.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein generally relate to methods and systems for displaying objects on motor vehicles and, preferably and more particularly, to methods and systems for enabling art ornaments to be interchangeably displayed on motor vehicle rooftops.

BACKGROUND

Motor vehicle owners often personalize their vehicles to express themselves. Examples of articles used to personalize motor vehicles include bumper stickers, window decals, window flags, decorative windshield sun shades, magnetic signs, vanity license plates, dashboard figurines, antenna toppers, custom hood ornaments, and rear view mirror hanging decorations. Many of these articles are challenged by limited visibility, unclear messaging, and unremarkable impact on the intended audiences, particularly when briefly viewed on a moving vehicle. Motor vehicle owners who desire vehicle personalization articles that are quickly understood and are more impressive and attention-grabbing for the conveyance of their public broadcast must settle for these conventional articles.

Vehicle rooftops provide a prominent location for display purposes due to their height and unobstructed visibility by pedestrians and other drivers. Additionally, vehicle rooftops can accommodate large displays without obstructing the view of the driver. Unfortunately, displays mounted on vehicle rooftops are fully subjected to forces induced by wind and vehicle motion. To promote durability and safety, vehicle rooftop displays are typically mounted in a permanent fashion using adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or frames. These permanent mounting methods are used on taxis and other commercial vehicles but are typically unappealing to private vehicle owners. Alternative displays such as stickers, small vehicle decorations, and signs made from flat magnetic sheets reduce the impact of external forces by limiting the exposed surface area but these alternatives do not achieve the same visual impact as large rooftop displays.

Presently, the prominent rooftop displays that are both conveniently removable and resistant to environmental and driving forces are commercial rooftop signs, typically used by companies that incorporate the use of private vehicles in the delivery of their commercial products or services. A common example is rooftop signs used in conjunction with pizza delivery services.

While these commercial rooftop signs are both visible and removable, they typically rely on text or flat images to communicate their message but not their shape. Simple, common shapes are routinely reused for many different purposes and messages. Even when the shape of the sign is linked to the message, that shape is static and cannot be easily modified without replacing the entire display system.

While suitable for a commercial entity that has a single, consistent brand or message, current vehicle display options are not well suited to individuals who desire a more interesting, more artistic display and who are interested in communicating different messages based on changes in the seasons, their activities and interests, their mood, or other factors. Purchasing a new display system each time a change is desired is neither convenient nor affordable for most individuals. There has been no safe, convenient, affordable, and flexible way to blend the highly visible location offered by a vehicle rooftop with the versatile and stylish vehicle personalization needs of individual vehicle owners.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide display systems and methods that avoid the afore-described problems and drawbacks.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, a display system includes: a base having a plurality of magnets attached thereto and distributed around a perimeter of the base; a flat base platform forming an upper structural platform surface of said base; curved sides connected to the perimeter of the base forming a skirt around said flat base platform, wherein portions of a lower edge of said curved sides are contoured to accommodate curvature of a vehicle rooftop to which said base can be attached via said plurality of magnets; and a display object connected to the base.

According to another embodiment, a display system kit includes (a) a base having a plurality of magnets attached thereto and distributed around a perimeter of the base; a flat base platform forming an upper structural surface of said base; and curved sides connected to the perimeter of the base forming a skirt around said flat base platform, wherein portions of a lower edge of said curved sides are contoured to accommodate curvature of a vehicle rooftop to which said base can be attached via said plurality of magnets; and (b) a display object connectable to the base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same or similar assemblys. The following detailed description does not limit the invention. Instead, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. The embodiments to be discussed next are not limited to the configurations described below, but may be extended to other arrangements as discussed later.

According to various embodiments described herein, methods and systems provide for a display system for motor vehicles including a base10and a display object19. The base10firmly, yet removably, mounts on ferromagnetic vehicle rooftops. The display object connection assembly11securely connects interchangeable display objects19to the base10.

A first embodiment of the display system is illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D. The display system according to this embodiment comprises two assemblies, a base10and a display object19.

The base10is mounted on a ferromagnetic vehicle rooftop using dish-shaped magnets31with a soft coating to protect painted metal surfaces. The base10provides a framing structure supporting a recessed receiving cavity14. The upper surface of the base10is generally flat, comprising a flat base platform15with a plurality of rounded corners. Downward outwardly curved sides16skirt the peripheral edges of the flat base platform15. In this context, as seen inFIGS. 1 and 3B, the phrase “downward outwardly curved” is intended to reflect a family of curved surfaces which incrementally extend further outward (e.g., relative to a center of the base10) over at least a portion of the surface as the surface progresses from the top to the bottom of the base10, sides16being one example of such an aerodynamic surface. A gasket193, made from rubber or a similar compressible material, attached to the bottom of the curved sides16reduces or eliminates the gap between the lower perimeter of the base10and the vehicle rooftop and provides additional protection against abrasion of painted metal surfaces. The gasket193also substantially conceals the distributed magnets31from external view when the display system is mounted on the vehicle rooftop. In this embodiment the base10is shaped as a rigid shell structure open at the bottom with a slight curvature to the bottom edge to accommodate the curvature of the typical vehicle rooftop.

The base10of this embodiment of the display system may be produced using a variety of plastic fabrication methods but is well suited to vacuum forming. An alternative construction of the base10uses a rigid hollow structure resulting in a base10that is not open at the bottom. In this configuration, the magnets31are attached directly to the bottom of the base without the use of base extensions33. The base10with a rigid hollow structure may be produced using a variety of plastic fabrication methods but is well suited to blow molding or injection molding. Additionally, as seen in the figures, the base10has a low height to longitudinal length ratio which, in combination with its curved sides16, forms a low cross sectional profile which is substantially aerodynamic.

The display object connection assembly11in this embodiment utilizes a plurality of cylindrical projection tabs191and191A that serve as engaging devices on the cylindrical projection13. The base connection assembly195utilizes a plurality of recessed receiving cavity tabs192and192A that serve as mating engaging devices on the recessed receiving cavity14. In combination, the display object connection assembly11and the base connection assembly195provide the means for fittingly connecting the display object19to the base10. The display object connection assembly11and base connection assembly195cooperate to establish a snug fit with significant contact surface area between said display object19and said base10to distribute load and transmit external forces encountered by the interchangeable art ornament196, e.g., when the vehicle to which it is mounted is moving. The display object connection assembly11may be produced using a variety of plastic fabrication methods including vacuum forming, blow molding, or injection molding. Note that the present invention is not limited to this particular mechanism for removably connecting the display object19to the base10, and that other such mechanisms are described below.

The display object19comprises the art ornament196with the flat lower surface12, detent notch18, and cylindrical projection13with a plurality of cylindrical projection tabs191and191A. The shape of the flat lower surface12varies to match to lower cross-section of the art ornament196forming an integrally connected joined edge. To connect the display object19and associated art ornament196for display, the display object connection assembly11is initially inserted into the base connection assembly195as shown inFIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, and rotated so that the cylindrical projection tabs191and191A engage with the recessed receiving cavity tabs192and192A as shown inFIG. 6D. Arrows30and40depict the motion of insertion and arrow50depicts the motion of rotation.

The interlocking tabs191,191A,192, and192A are keyed to ensure proper alignment of the display object connection assembly11with the base connection assembly195. As depicted inFIG. 6C, one cylindrical projection tab191A is shorter than the others and one recessed receiving cavity tab192A is longer than the others.

When rotated to the full engagement position as shown inFIG. 6Dthe detent protuberance17on the base10engages with the detent notch18on the flat lower surface12of the display object19and the user receives tactile feedback that the display object19is properly aligned with the base10for use. Once engaged, the detent protuberance17and detent notch18help to hold the display object19in the fully engaged position providing additional resistance to external forces associated with wind or vehicle motion that could force the display object connection assembly to rotate back toward the initial position. Note that the detent protuberance17can alternatively be fabricated as a round, raised nub, and detent notch18as a mating hole.

Various other Figures show other aspects of this embodiment. For example,FIG. 2shows a perspective view of the display system including section lines3A-3A and3B-3B which identify the sectioning planes and view directions used inFIGS. 3A and 3Brespectively.FIG. 3Ais a cross section view of the display object19taken at the sectioning plane and in the direction indicated by section lines3A-3A inFIG. 2. This view reveals the lightweight hollow construction of the display object19.

FIG. 3Bis a cross section view of the base10taken at the sectioning plane and in the direction indicated by section lines3B-3B inFIG. 2. A plurality of magnets31are maximally dispersed, e.g., placed in a respective corner region of the base, under the base10to stabilize the display system when mounted on vehicle rooftops. The magnets31are each connected with a threaded connector37to a base extension33with embedded insert38. A compressible rubber grommet34is positioned between each magnet31and the associated base extension33to allow for limited movement of the magnets31accommodating the curvature of vehicle rooftops. Among other things, this configuration of distributed magnets when mounted on vehicle rooftops establishes a desirable foundational stability to resist moment loads and forces induced on the base10and the display object19by wind and driving motion.

A stop wall35is connected to one or more of the recessed receiving cavity tabs192to limit the motion of the display object connection assembly11when it is inserted into the base connection assembly195and rotated into the fully engaged position. The stop wall35stops the motion of the ornament connection assembly11in the same rotational position where the detent protuberance17engages the detent notch18.

As shown inFIGS. 3B and 5, a stiffener32is attached to the underside of the base10to enhance the stiffness of the base10. This contributes to the rigidity of the overall display system which better facilitates use of the display object19as a lever when removing the display system from the vehicle rooftop. The stiffener32also supports an anchor point32A for a detachable security strap194. The security strap194inhibits theft and works with the magnets to prevent undesired separation of the display system from the vehicle rooftop under extreme conditions.

FIG. 4depicts the top view of the base10including a view down into the recessed receiving cavity14. This view depicts a plurality of recessed receiving cavity tabs192including the one tab192A that is longer than the others to support the keyed connection of the display object19to the base10.FIG. 5depicts the bottom view of the base10including the underside of the flat base platform15, the curved sides16, an outwardly bowed front surface of the base41, an outwardly bowed back surface of the base42, the recessed receiving cavity14, the plurality of magnets31, the detent protuberance17, the gasket193, the stiffener32, and the anchor point32A for the security strap194. In this context, an “outwardly bowed surface” refers to the shape of the surfaces41and42as curved from the front and rear edge, respectively, of the base platform15.

FIGS. 6A and 6Bdepict the relative position between the display object19and the base10for insertion of the display object19into the base10. The display object19is lowered into the base10as indicated by arrows30and40.FIG. 6Aalso depicts the slight curvature of the lower edge of the base10allowing the base to better conform to the curvature of the vehicle rooftop.FIG. 6Cprovides a top view depicting the initial engagement position of the display object19relative to the base10when the display object connection assembly11is first inserted. The display object connection assembly11and base connection assembly195are hidden in this view and are shown in dashed lines.

FIG. 6Ddepicts a top view of the display system with the display object connection assembly11and base connection assembly195in dashed lines in the full engagement position. Arrow50illustrates the relative motion between the display object19and the base10that occurs when the display object19is rotated from the initial engagement position to the full engagement position. In the full engagement position, the detent protuberance17engages the detent notch18and one or more cylindrical projection tabs191make contact with an associated stop wall35in the base10.

In the full engagement position, the cylindrical projection tabs191and191A are sandwiched between the recessed receiving cavity tabs192and192A and the floor of the recessed receiving cavity14. This position places the entire upper and lower surface areas of the cylindrical projection tabs191and191A in contact with the base10to transfer forces and loads from the display object19to the base10in a distributed fashion.

Thus, according to this embodiment, the arrangement of holding tabs191,191A,192, and192A connected to the cylindrical projection13and to the recessed receiving cavity14form an interlocking keyed mating configuration. This keyed mating configuration guides the insertion of the cylindrical projection13to the proper initial engagement position in the recessed receiving cavity14. The stop wall35in the recessed receiving cavity14unambiguously terminates the rotation once the display object19is in the full engagement position. In this position, the full upper and lower surfaces of all holding tabs are in contact with portions of the base providing a strong and reliable connection. A detent device formed by the detent protuberance17on the flat base platform10and a detent notch18on the display object19engages when the display object19is in the full engagement position and clenches the display object19in that position. The resistance provided by the detent device coupled with the stop wall35lets the user know positively that the display object19is in the full engagement position and ready for use.

A second embodiment of the display system is illustrated inFIGS. 7, 8A, and8B. Therein the same reference numerals are used to refer to structural elements in the second embodiment which are the same or similar to correspondingly numbered elements from the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 through 6D. However, this embodiment utilizes a threaded connection to secure the display object19to the base10. Similar to the first embodiment, a simple insert and rotate motion can be used to accomplish a secure connection without use of tools. In the second embodiment, interlocking tabs are replaced by complementary interlocking threads on a threaded cylindrical projection81and a threaded recessed receiving cavity82. A stop wall35is not needed in this second embodiment because the threads are used to unambiguously limit the rotation of the display object19. The base10and/or the display object19of the second embodiment of the display system may be produced using a variety of fabrication methods but is well suited to injection molding.

More specifically, the second embodiment utilizes an alternative display object connection assembly and base connection assembly as the means for fittingly connecting the display object19and the base10. The display object connection assembly11employs a threaded cylindrical projection81. The base connection assembly195employs a mating threaded recessed receiving cavity82. The connection assemblies cooperate to establish a snug fit with significant contact surface area between said display object19and said base10to distribute load and transmit external forces encountered by the art ornament196.FIG. 8Adepicts a cross section view of the display object19taken at the sectioning plane and in the direction indicated by section lines8A-8A inFIG. 7, including a threaded cylindrical projection81. The threads in this embodiment replace the cylindrical projection tabs191and191A in the previous embodiment as the means of connection between the display object19and the base10.FIG. 8Bdepicts a cross section view of the base taken at the sectioning plane and in the direction indicated by section lines8B-8B inFIG. 7, including a threaded recessed receiving cavity82designed to accept the threaded cylindrical projection81. In all other ways,FIGS. 8A and 8Bare the same asFIGS. 3A and 3B.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other alternative means of connecting the display object19to the base10can be employed including spring loaded tabs, ball locks, and sliding locking bars. These alternative means of connection are not depicted in the figures.

WhereasFIG. 1depicts a shark fin as an example of a type of art ornament196which can be removably mounted on a vehicle by way of these embodiments,FIG. 9depicts a side view of the display system with an alternative art ornament (football and football helmet)90to convey to the reader the interchangeability of the display objects and re-usability of the base10of the display system in accordance with some embodiments. This view depicts the display system as it would appear in use. When assembled for use, the means of connecting the display object91to the base10is concealed from view and thus the view ofFIG. 9is accurate for either of the previously described embodiments.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the embodiments enable flexible messaging. Interchangeability of the display object19and associated art ornaments196and90allows users to incorporate a variety of appropriate and distinctive shapes into the communication of their messages. Compared to vehicle displays that use common, simple shapes such as rectangles and triangles, the shape of the interchangeable display objects19can quickly convey meaning even when viewed briefly on a moving vehicle. The shape can either be the primary means of communicating a message or the shape can complement applied text or images.

Additionally, the embodiments provide for an economic approach to flexible messaging. A reusable base10can be used to display a variety of interchangeable display objects19. This flexibility allows users to communicate different moods and messages at different times without purchasing a new display system or modifying the manner in which the display is secured to the vehicle. Compared to using multiple single-assembly alternatives, reusing a single base10for multiple art ornaments19reduces overall costs, avoiding a repurchase of expensive components such as the magnets31.

Moreover, the embodiments support the display of grander sized art ornaments196on a moving vehicle by virtue of a combination of features including one or more of a large footprint base10with maximally dispersed magnets31, a means of connection between the display object19and base10that provides a significant surface area for transmitting load, a security strap194, a substantially lightweight and hollow design, and a generally aerodynamic shape with a low center of gravity. The grander size makes the display more noticeable and memorable for viewers.

Further, the embodiments specifically support display on personal vehicles rather than commercial vehicles, addressing the sensitivities and concerns of many vehicle owners. These aspects include a compressible rubber gasket193attached to the lower perimeter of the base10and magnets31with a soft covering that protects against abrasion of painted metal surfaces. The lower perimeter of the base10is slightly contoured to better conform to the curvature of a vehicle rooftop. In combination, these aspects hide the magnets31and underside of the base10from view supporting a substantially aesthetic and streamlined appearance, considerations which are particularly important to some users when mounting the display system on their personal vehicle. The display object connection assembly11and base connection assembly195are concealed from view when a display object19is connected to the base10, also supporting a substantially aesthetic and streamlined appearance. Separation of the interchangeable display objects19from the base10makes the display system more compact for storage when not in use.

Still further, the embodiments support unassisted use by individual users with a wide range of skills and abilities. For example, at least some embodiments include a means of connecting the display object19to the base10that involves a simple insert and turn motion and avoids a need for tools. Another aspect is a sturdy means of connecting the display object19and the base10that supports use of the display object19as a lever when dismounting the display system from a vehicle rooftop. This reduces the physical strength needed by a user to release the grip of the magnets31.

The embodiments also support a temporary yet strong and unambiguous connection between the display object19and the base10.

Although an interchangeable connection between the display object19and the base10is described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art will also appreciate that other embodiments contemplate the display object19and base10being integrally formed together. In addition to depicting previously described embodiments, the view ofFIG. 9is also accurate for depicting an integrally formed embodiment. In this embodiment, since the display object19and the base10are integrally formed together, certain previously described connection components such as the display object connection assembly11, base connection assembly195, detent protuberance17, and detent notch18; are replaced by this alternative connecting method.

It should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the invention. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which are included in the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, in the detailed description of the embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the invention. However, one skilled in the art would understand that various embodiments may be practiced without such specific details.

Although the features and assemblies of the present embodiments are described in the embodiments in particular combinations, each feature or assembly can be used alone without the other features and assemblys of the embodiments or in various combinations with or without other features and assemblys disclosed herein.