Abstract:
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.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    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 
       [0002]    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. 
         [0003]    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. 
         [0004]    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. 
         [0005]    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. 
         [0006]    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. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide display systems and methods that avoid the afore-described problems and drawbacks. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    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. 
         [0009]    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. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, explain these embodiments. In the drawings: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the display system atop a vehicle. The exemplary art ornament depicted is a shark fin. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the display system of  FIG. 1  identifying the sectioning planes and view directions used in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
           [0013]      FIG. 3A  is a cross section view of the display object taken at the sectioning plane and in the direction indicated by section lines  3 A- 3 A in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 3B  is a cross section view of the base taken at the sectioning plane and in the direction indicated by section lines  3 B- 3 B in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the base of  FIG. 1  including the top of the recessed receiving cavity. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the base of  FIG. 1  including the bottom of the recessed receiving cavity, the magnets, and the stiffener. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6A  is a side view of the base and display object of  FIG. 1  showing the display object positioned appropriately for insertion into the base. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of the base and display object of  FIG. 1  with the display object positioned appropriately for insertion into the base. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6C  is a top plan view of the base and display object of  FIG. 1  with the display object positioned in the initial engagement position following insertion. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6D  is a top plan view of the base of  FIG. 1  showing the ornament connection assembly following insertion and rotation into the fully engaged position. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the display system using a threaded connection in accordance with another embodiment. This view identifies the sectioning planes and view directions used in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . 
           [0022]      FIG. 8A  is a cross section view of the display object using a threaded connection in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 7 . This cross section view is taken at the sectioning plane and in the direction indicated by section lines  8 A- 8 A in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 8B  is a cross section view of the base using a threaded connection in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 7 . This cross section view is taken at the sectioning plane and in the direction indicated by section lines  8 B- 8 B in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the display system of  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 7  showing another display object. The exemplary art ornament depicted is a football helmet perched atop a truncated football. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    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. 
         [0026]    Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
         [0027]    According to various embodiments described herein, methods and systems provide for a display system for motor vehicles including a base  10  and a display object  19 . The base  10  firmly, yet removably, mounts on ferromagnetic vehicle rooftops. The display object connection assembly  11  securely connects interchangeable display objects  19  to the base  10 . 
         [0028]    A first embodiment of the display system is illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D . The display system according to this embodiment comprises two assemblies, a base  10  and a display object  19 . 
         [0029]    The base  10  is mounted on a ferromagnetic vehicle rooftop using dish-shaped magnets  31  with a soft coating to protect painted metal surfaces. The base  10  provides a framing structure supporting a recessed receiving cavity  14 . The upper surface of the base  10  is generally flat, comprising a flat base platform  15  with a plurality of rounded corners. Downward outwardly curved sides  16  skirt the peripheral edges of the flat base platform  15 . In this context, as seen in  FIGS. 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 base  10 ) over at least a portion of the surface as the surface progresses from the top to the bottom of the base  10 , sides  16  being one example of such an aerodynamic surface. A gasket  193 , made from rubber or a similar compressible material, attached to the bottom of the curved sides  16  reduces or eliminates the gap between the lower perimeter of the base  10  and the vehicle rooftop and provides additional protection against abrasion of painted metal surfaces. The gasket  193  also substantially conceals the distributed magnets  31  from external view when the display system is mounted on the vehicle rooftop. In this embodiment the base  10  is 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. 
         [0030]    The base  10  of 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 base  10  uses a rigid hollow structure resulting in a base  10  that is not open at the bottom. In this configuration, the magnets  31  are attached directly to the bottom of the base without the use of base extensions  33 . The base  10  with 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 base  10  has a low height to longitudinal length ratio which, in combination with its curved sides  16 , forms a low cross sectional profile which is substantially aerodynamic. 
         [0031]    The display object connection assembly  11  in this embodiment utilizes a plurality of cylindrical projection tabs  191  and  191 A that serve as engaging devices on the cylindrical projection  13 . The base connection assembly  195  utilizes a plurality of recessed receiving cavity tabs  192  and  192 A that serve as mating engaging devices on the recessed receiving cavity  14 . In combination, the display object connection assembly  11  and the base connection assembly  195  provide the means for fittingly connecting the display object  19  to the base  10 . The display object connection assembly  11  and base connection assembly  195  cooperate to establish a snug fit with significant contact surface area between said display object  19  and said base  10  to distribute load and transmit external forces encountered by the interchangeable art ornament  196 , e.g., when the vehicle to which it is mounted is moving. The display object connection assembly  11  may 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 object  19  to the base  10 , and that other such mechanisms are described below. 
         [0032]    The display object  19  comprises the art ornament  196  with the flat lower surface  12 , detent notch  18 , and cylindrical projection  13  with a plurality of cylindrical projection tabs  191  and  191 A. The shape of the flat lower surface  12  varies to match to lower cross-section of the art ornament  196  forming an integrally connected joined edge. To connect the display object  19  and associated art ornament  196  for display, the display object connection assembly  11  is initially inserted into the base connection assembly  195  as shown in  FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C , and rotated so that the cylindrical projection tabs  191  and  191 A engage with the recessed receiving cavity tabs  192  and  192 A as shown in  FIG. 6D . Arrows  30  and  40  depict the motion of insertion and arrow  50  depicts the motion of rotation. 
         [0033]    The interlocking tabs  191 ,  191 A,  192 , and  192 A are keyed to ensure proper alignment of the display object connection assembly  11  with the base connection assembly  195 . As depicted in  FIG. 6C , one cylindrical projection tab  191 A is shorter than the others and one recessed receiving cavity tab  192 A is longer than the others. 
         [0034]    When rotated to the full engagement position as shown in  FIG. 6D  the detent protuberance  17  on the base  10  engages with the detent notch  18  on the flat lower surface  12  of the display object  19  and the user receives tactile feedback that the display object  19  is properly aligned with the base  10  for use. Once engaged, the detent protuberance  17  and detent notch  18  help to hold the display object  19  in 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 protuberance  17  can alternatively be fabricated as a round, raised nub, and detent notch  18  as a mating hole. 
         [0035]    Various other Figures show other aspects of this embodiment. For example,  FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the display system including section lines  3 A- 3 A and  3 B- 3 B which identify the sectioning planes and view directions used in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  respectively.  FIG. 3A  is a cross section view of the display object  19  taken at the sectioning plane and in the direction indicated by section lines  3 A- 3 A in  FIG. 2 . This view reveals the lightweight hollow construction of the display object  19 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 3B  is a cross section view of the base  10  taken at the sectioning plane and in the direction indicated by section lines  3 B- 3 B in  FIG. 2 . A plurality of magnets  31  are maximally dispersed, e.g., placed in a respective corner region of the base, under the base  10  to stabilize the display system when mounted on vehicle rooftops. The magnets  31  are each connected with a threaded connector  37  to a base extension  33  with embedded insert  38 . A compressible rubber grommet  34  is positioned between each magnet  31  and the associated base extension  33  to allow for limited movement of the magnets  31  accommodating 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 base  10  and the display object  19  by wind and driving motion. 
         [0037]    A stop wall  35  is connected to one or more of the recessed receiving cavity tabs  192  to limit the motion of the display object connection assembly  11  when it is inserted into the base connection assembly  195  and rotated into the fully engaged position. The stop wall  35  stops the motion of the ornament connection assembly  11  in the same rotational position where the detent protuberance  17  engages the detent notch  18 . 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIGS. 3B and 5 , a stiffener  32  is attached to the underside of the base  10  to enhance the stiffness of the base  10 . This contributes to the rigidity of the overall display system which better facilitates use of the display object  19  as a lever when removing the display system from the vehicle rooftop. The stiffener  32  also supports an anchor point  32 A for a detachable security strap  194 . The security strap  194  inhibits theft and works with the magnets to prevent undesired separation of the display system from the vehicle rooftop under extreme conditions. 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  depicts the top view of the base  10  including a view down into the recessed receiving cavity  14 . This view depicts a plurality of recessed receiving cavity tabs  192  including the one tab  192 A that is longer than the others to support the keyed connection of the display object  19  to the base  10 .  FIG. 5  depicts the bottom view of the base  10  including the underside of the flat base platform  15 , the curved sides  16 , an outwardly bowed front surface of the base  41 , an outwardly bowed back surface of the base  42 , the recessed receiving cavity  14 , the plurality of magnets  31 , the detent protuberance  17 , the gasket  193 , the stiffener  32 , and the anchor point  32 A for the security strap  194 . In this context, an “outwardly bowed surface” refers to the shape of the surfaces  41  and  42  as curved from the front and rear edge, respectively, of the base platform  15 . 
         [0040]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict the relative position between the display object  19  and the base  10  for insertion of the display object  19  into the base  10 . The display object  19  is lowered into the base  10  as indicated by arrows  30  and  40 .  FIG. 6A  also depicts the slight curvature of the lower edge of the base  10  allowing the base to better conform to the curvature of the vehicle rooftop.  FIG. 6C  provides a top view depicting the initial engagement position of the display object  19  relative to the base  10  when the display object connection assembly  11  is first inserted. The display object connection assembly  11  and base connection assembly  195  are hidden in this view and are shown in dashed lines. 
         [0041]      FIG. 6D  depicts a top view of the display system with the display object connection assembly  11  and base connection assembly  195  in dashed lines in the full engagement position. Arrow  50  illustrates the relative motion between the display object  19  and the base  10  that occurs when the display object  19  is rotated from the initial engagement position to the full engagement position. In the full engagement position, the detent protuberance  17  engages the detent notch  18  and one or more cylindrical projection tabs  191  make contact with an associated stop wall  35  in the base  10 . 
         [0042]    In the full engagement position, the cylindrical projection tabs  191  and  191 A are sandwiched between the recessed receiving cavity tabs  192  and  192 A and the floor of the recessed receiving cavity  14 . This position places the entire upper and lower surface areas of the cylindrical projection tabs  191  and  191 A in contact with the base  10  to transfer forces and loads from the display object  19  to the base  10  in a distributed fashion. 
         [0043]    Thus, according to this embodiment, the arrangement of holding tabs  191 ,  191 A,  192 , and  192 A connected to the cylindrical projection  13  and to the recessed receiving cavity  14  form an interlocking keyed mating configuration. This keyed mating configuration guides the insertion of the cylindrical projection  13  to the proper initial engagement position in the recessed receiving cavity  14 . The stop wall  35  in the recessed receiving cavity  14  unambiguously terminates the rotation once the display object  19  is 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 protuberance  17  on the flat base platform  10  and a detent notch  18  on the display object  19  engages when the display object  19  is in the full engagement position and clenches the display object  19  in that position. The resistance provided by the detent device coupled with the stop wall  35  lets the user know positively that the display object  19  is in the full engagement position and ready for use. 
         [0044]    A second embodiment of the display system is illustrated in  FIGS. 7, 8A , and  8 B. 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 of  FIGS. 1 through 6D . However, this embodiment utilizes a threaded connection to secure the display object  19  to the base  10 . 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 projection  81  and a threaded recessed receiving cavity  82 . A stop wall  35  is not needed in this second embodiment because the threads are used to unambiguously limit the rotation of the display object  19 . The base  10  and/or the display object  19  of the second embodiment of the display system may be produced using a variety of fabrication methods but is well suited to injection molding. 
         [0045]    More specifically, the second embodiment utilizes an alternative display object connection assembly and base connection assembly as the means for fittingly connecting the display object  19  and the base  10 . The display object connection assembly  11  employs a threaded cylindrical projection  81 . The base connection assembly  195  employs a mating threaded recessed receiving cavity  82 . The connection assemblies cooperate to establish a snug fit with significant contact surface area between said display object  19  and said base  10  to distribute load and transmit external forces encountered by the art ornament  196 .  FIG. 8A  depicts a cross section view of the display object  19  taken at the sectioning plane and in the direction indicated by section lines  8 A- 8 A in  FIG. 7 , including a threaded cylindrical projection  81 . The threads in this embodiment replace the cylindrical projection tabs  191  and  191 A in the previous embodiment as the means of connection between the display object  19  and the base  10 .  FIG. 8B  depicts a cross section view of the base taken at the sectioning plane and in the direction indicated by section lines  8 B- 8 B in  FIG. 7 , including a threaded recessed receiving cavity  82  designed to accept the threaded cylindrical projection  81 . In all other ways,  FIGS. 8A and 8B  are the same as  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
         [0046]    As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other alternative means of connecting the display object  19  to the base  10  can be employed including spring loaded tabs, ball locks, and sliding locking bars. These alternative means of connection are not depicted in the figures. 
         [0047]    Whereas  FIG. 1  depicts a shark fin as an example of a type of art ornament  196  which can be removably mounted on a vehicle by way of these embodiments,  FIG. 9  depicts a side view of the display system with an alternative art ornament (football and football helmet)  90  to convey to the reader the interchangeability of the display objects and re-usability of the base  10  of 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 object  91  to the base  10  is concealed from view and thus the view of  FIG. 9  is accurate for either of the previously described embodiments. 
         [0048]    From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the embodiments enable flexible messaging. Interchangeability of the display object  19  and associated art ornaments  196  and  90  allows 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 objects  19  can 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. 
         [0049]    Additionally, the embodiments provide for an economic approach to flexible messaging. A reusable base  10  can be used to display a variety of interchangeable display objects  19 . 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 base  10  for multiple art ornaments  19  reduces overall costs, avoiding a repurchase of expensive components such as the magnets  31 . 
         [0050]    Moreover, the embodiments support the display of grander sized art ornaments  196  on a moving vehicle by virtue of a combination of features including one or more of a large footprint base  10  with maximally dispersed magnets  31 , a means of connection between the display object  19  and base  10  that provides a significant surface area for transmitting load, a security strap  194 , 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. 
         [0051]    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 gasket  193  attached to the lower perimeter of the base  10  and magnets  31  with a soft covering that protects against abrasion of painted metal surfaces. The lower perimeter of the base  10  is slightly contoured to better conform to the curvature of a vehicle rooftop. In combination, these aspects hide the magnets  31  and underside of the base  10  from 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 assembly  11  and base connection assembly  195  are concealed from view when a display object  19  is connected to the base  10 , also supporting a substantially aesthetic and streamlined appearance. Separation of the interchangeable display objects  19  from the base  10  makes the display system more compact for storage when not in use. 
         [0052]    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 object  19  to the base  10  that involves a simple insert and turn motion and avoids a need for tools. Another aspect is a sturdy means of connecting the display object  19  and the base  10  that supports use of the display object  19  as 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 magnets  31 . 
         [0053]    The embodiments also support a temporary yet strong and unambiguous connection between the display object  19  and the base  10 . 
         [0054]    Although an interchangeable connection between the display object  19  and the base  10  is described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art will also appreciate that other embodiments contemplate the display object  19  and base  10  being integrally formed together. In addition to depicting previously described embodiments, the view of  FIG. 9  is also accurate for depicting an integrally formed embodiment. In this embodiment, since the display object  19  and the base  10  are integrally formed together, certain previously described connection componets such as the display object connection assembly  11 , base connection assembly  195 , detent protuberance  17 , and detent notch  18 ; are replaced by this alternative connecting method. 
         [0055]    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. 
         [0056]    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. 
         [0057]    This written description uses examples of the subject matter disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the same, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims.