Patent Publication Number: US-2015075042-A1

Title: Document display systems

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to document display systems. In particular, document display systems including internal cavities illuminated by light emitting diodes are described. 
     Known document display systems are not entirely satisfactory for the range of applications in which they are employed. For example, existing document display systems lack the convenience, illuminating features, and universal nature of the present invention. 
     Conventional document display systems are inconvenient. Typically, when a vehicle is purchased, a temporary license “plate” must be displayed the rear window of the vehicle. The temporary license “plate” is most often a paper document and is adhered to the window using tape or an adhesive compound. Undesirably, a sticky residue remains after the paper document is removed; the sticky reside is difficult to remove and can remain on the window for years. Unsightly sticky residue is just one inconvenient consequence of using conventional document displays. 
     Moreover, adhering a paper document to a vehicle&#39;s rear window is undesirable because the existing paper document is un-illuminated. Normally, a rear license plate of a vehicle is illuminated. However, temporary vehicle registrations taped to the vehicle&#39;s rear window often go unnoticed or are illegible in low light conditions due to lack of illumination. Existing, un-illuminated paper documents are difficult for law enforcement personnel to read, which can lead to unnecessary investigative traffic stops. Unnecessary investigative traffic stops are a nuisance for lawful drivers and create an inconvenience for law enforcement personnel. 
     Some conventional document display systems are capable of universally mounting to the exterior of a vehicle. For example, magnetic display systems exist that are utilized for adhering a metal license plate to a vehicle during test-drives. Typically, a vehicle dealer will magnetically attach a “dealer plate” to the rear of a vehicle so a potential purchaser may test-drive the vehicle. 
     However, the existing method of magnetically attaching a license plate to the exterior of a vehicle is undesirable for several reasons: the magnet may detach causing the plate to become lost or stolen, the plate or magnet may disfigure the vehicle surface, the plate is not protected from adverse weather, and existing magnetic attachment mechanisms additionally lack illuminating features. 
     Further, conventional document display systems lack the ability to concurrently display dealership information or advertising information. Conventional document display systems are rudimentary and accomplish the limited goal of temporarily displaying a vehicle registration or license plate without concurrently displaying information about the vehicle&#39;s source. 
     Thus, there exists a need for document display systems that improve upon and advance the design of known document display systems. Particularly, there exists a need for document display systems that are equally capable of displaying paper documents or metal license plates. Moreover, there exists a need for document display systems that are capable of universally attaching to vehicle window interiors while concurrently communicating advertising messages. Examples of new and useful document display systems relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed to document display systems including an enclosure including a first surface, a second surface spaced from the first surface, a top edge connecting the first surface and the second surface, a bottom edge opposite the top edge and connecting the first surface and the second surface, a first lateral side connecting the first surface, the second surface, the top edge, and the bottom edge, a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side connecting the first surface, the second surface, the top edge, and the bottom edge, and a cavity bounded by the first surface, the second surface, the top edge, the bottom edge, the first lateral side, and the second lateral side; a light source mounted within the cavity; and a fastener removably attached to the first surface and configured to selectively fasten the enclosure to a window of a vehicle. In some examples, the document display system includes a substantially transparent first surface movably connected to a substantially opaque second surface. In some further examples, the document display system includes a hinged top edge that provides access to a cavity illuminated by a plurality of light emitting diodes. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a first example of a document display system. 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the document display system shown in  FIG. 1  depicting a top edge of the document display system including a power switch. 
         FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the document display system shown in  FIG. 1  depicting a battery enclosure on a second surface. 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the document display system shown in  FIG. 1  depicting a first surface in an open configuration and exposing a cavity of the document display system. 
         FIG. 5  is a top elevation view of the document display system shown in  FIG. 1  depicting a plurality of fasteners mounted to the first surface. 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom elevation view of the document display system shown in  FIG. 1  depicting a curved profile of the document display system. 
         FIG. 7  is a top elevation view of the document display system shown in  FIG. 1  depicting a hinged top edge. 
         FIG. 8  is a front elevation view of the document display system shown in  FIG. 1  depicting a temporary vehicle permit retained within the document display system cavity. 
         FIG. 9  is a front elevation view of the document display system shown in  FIG. 1  depicting the document display system mounted on a rear window of a vehicle. 
         FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of a second example of a document display system including a bottom edge of the document display system including a power switch. 
         FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of the document display system shown in  FIG. 10  depicting a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted within a cavity of the document display system. 
         FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of the document display system shown in  FIG. 10  depicting a first substantially transparent surface in an open configuration. 
         FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of a third example of a document display system including a hinged top edge. 
         FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of the document display system shown in  FIG. 13  depicting a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on a bottom edge of an interior cavity of the document display system. 
         FIG. 15  is a rear perspective view of the document display system shown in  FIG. 13  depicting a power switch on a bottom surface of the document display system. 
         FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of the document display system shown in  FIG. 13  depicting the hinged top edge in an open configuration. 
         FIG. 17  is a front elevation view of the document display system shown in  FIG. 13  depicting a plurality of fasteners arranged near outer edges of the document display system. 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom elevation view of the document display system shown in  FIG. 13  depicting a linear profile of the document display system. 
         FIG. 19  is a top elevation view of the document display system shown in  FIG. 13  depicting the hinged top edge. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The disclosed document display systems will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description. 
     Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various document display systems are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-9 , a first example of a document display system, document display system  100 , will now be described. Document display system  100  includes an enclosure  110  a light source  130 , and a plurality of fasteners  140 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , enclosure  110  is configured to store documents. Light source  130  is mounted within enclosure  110  and functions to illuminate the contents of enclosure  110 . Moreover, plurality of fasteners  140  are mounted on the exterior of enclosure  110 . Plurality of fasteners  140  facilitate or allow mounting enclosure  110  to vehicle windows. 
     Document display system  100  functions to display documents. Particularly, document display system  100  functions to display documents, including temporary vehicle registrations, on vehicles. Additionally or alternatively, document display system  100  can be used to display vehicle manufacturers&#39; specification documents, buyer&#39;s guides, “For Sale” signs, and license plates. 
     Document display system  100  improves upon and advances the design of known document display systems. Document display system  100  provides a convenient, universally mountable, illuminating enclosure for displaying documents and license plates on vehicles. 
     Document display system  100  conveniently adheres to any interior window of a vehicle. Unlike existing methods of displaying temporary permits, plurality of fasteners  140  removably mount document display system  100  to vehicle windows without adhesives. Thus, document display system  100  does not deposit the unsightly and difficult-to-remove residue of conventional document display methods. 
     Further, plurality of fasteners  140  universally mount document display system  100  to the interior surface of any vehicle window. Accordingly, document display system  100  may be used to display a temporary vehicle registration or dealer license plate in the rear window of a vehicle. Additionally, document display system  100  may be used to display vehicle specification information or vehicle buyers&#39; guides on side windows. Still further, document display system  100  may be configured to display a “For Sale” sign or additional advertising information concurrent with internally contained documents. 
     Mounting document display system  100  to the interior of vehicle windows is superior to existing document display methods, because document display system  100  prevents loss or theft of the displayed document. Further, document display system  100  eliminates the possibility of damaging or disfiguring the exterior surface of the vehicle posed by conventional document display methods. 
     Moreover, light source  130  illuminates documents contained within document display system  100 . Unlike conventional un-illuminated document displays, document display system  100  provides a reliable means of illuminating temporary registrations and license plates. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , enclosure  110  includes a first surface  112 , a second surface  114  spaced from first surface  112 , a top edge  111  connecting first surface  112  and second surface  114 , and a bottom edge  113  (opposite top edge  111 ) connecting first surface  112  and second surface  114 . 
     In the  FIG. 1  example, enclosure  110  is comprised of plastic. Alternatively, the enclosure may be comprised of any now known or later developed material suitable for comprising enclosures. Suitable enclosure materials include, but are not limited to, wood, metal, rubber, vinyl, carbon fiber, and composites. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , enclosure  110  is rectangular. Alternatively, the enclosure may be configured in any shape or form suitable for displaying documents, including, but not limited to, circular, square, ovoid, trapezoidal, and triangular. 
     As shown most clearly in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the profile of enclosure  110  may be curved to facilitate or allow mounting on vehicle windows. Alternatively, the profile of the enclosure may be formed in any manner or configuration that facilitates or allows mounting on vehicle windows. Suitable enclosure profile configurations include, but are not limited to, linear, wedge-shaped, and semi-circular. 
     As shown most clearly in  FIG. 8 , first surface  112  is configured to facilitate or allow viewing of the contents of enclosure  110 . First surface  112  comprises the “front” of enclosure  110 . First surface  112  is located proximate to a vehicle&#39;s window when enclosure  110  is mounted on the window. 
     In the  FIG. 8  example, first surface  112  is substantially transparent. Alternatively, the first surface may be translucent, darkened, or opaque. Additionally or alternatively, the first surface may incorporate document preserving features such as UV-shielding. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the first surface may include identifying information. Methods of including identifying information include, but are not limited to, holographing, frosting, and engraving. For example, the first surface may include holographic, frosted, or engraved vehicle dealership catch phrases, logos, or contact information. 
     In the  FIG. 1  example, first surface  112  is comprised of clear plastic. Alternatively, the first surface may be comprised of any now known or later developed material suitable for displaying documents. Suitable first surface materials include, but are not limited to, glass, polyester, nylon, rubber, and Plexiglas®. 
     As show in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , second surface  114  is spaced from and substantially aligned with first surface  112 . Second surface  114  comprises the “back” of enclosure  110 . Second surface  114  is located distal from a vehicle&#39;s window when enclosure  110  is mounted on the window. 
     In the  FIG. 3  example, second surface  114  is opaque. Alternatively, the second surface may be transparent, translucent, or darkened. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the second surface may include identifying information. The methods of including identifying information on the first surface listed above are also suitable for including information on the second surface. The second surface may include vehicle dealership catch phrases, logos, or contact information. 
     In the  FIG. 3  example, second surface  114  is comprised of opaque plastic. Alternatively, the second surface may be comprised of any now known or later developed material suitable for displaying documents. Suitable second surface materials include, but are not limited to, glass, polyester, nylon, rubber, and Plexiglas®. 
     As shown most clearly in  FIG. 3 , second surface  114  includes a battery enclosure  158 . Battery enclosure  158  is configured to house batteries to power light source  130 . Additionally, battery enclosure  158  is configured to facilitate or allow manipulating and moving enclosure  110 . In other words, battery enclosure  158  forms a point of contact convenient for gripping by a human hand. 
     In the  FIG. 3  example, battery enclosure  158  is located on second surface  114 . Alternatively, the battery enclosure may be arranged in any location on the enclosure. 
     Also shown in the  FIG. 3  example, battery enclosure  158  is oblong. Alternatively, the battery enclosure may be configured in any shape or form that facilitates or allows storing a power source sufficient to power the light source. 
     Rather than including a battery enclosure, the document display system may include alternative means of powering the light source. Acceptable alternative sources of power include, but are not limited to, solar cells, and 12-volt connectors. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 , and  7 , top edge  111  forms the “top” of enclosure  110 . As shown most clearly in the  FIG. 4  example, top edge  111  is hinged and facilitates or allows first surface  112  to rotate or pivot away from second surface  114 . 
     Also shown in  FIG. 2 , top edge  111  includes a switch  150 . Switch  150  is configured to power light source  130  “on” or “off.” In the example shown in  FIG. 2 , switch  150  is configured as a fulcrum-type switch. Alternatively, the switch may be configured in any shape or form that facilitates or allows selectively powering the light source “on” or “off.” Acceptable switch configurations include, but are not limited to, toggle switches, push buttons, and slides. 
     Alternatively, a switch may not be included on the enclosure. Rather, the light source can be configured to power “on” or “off” automatically through a timer, an ambient light sensor, or other automatic means of power activation and deactivation. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a controller  154  powers light source  130  “on” or “off.” Controller  154  is configured to activate switch  150  to power light source  130  “on,” and deactivate switch  150  to power light source  130  “off.” 
     In the  FIG. 1  example, controller  154  is located inside enclosure  110 . Alternatively, the controller may be located on an exterior surface or edge of the enclosure. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 1 , a sensor  152  is configured to detect ambient daylight. In the  FIG. 1  example, sensor  152  is configured to cooperatively facilitate or allow powering light source  130  “on” or “off.” In other words, with switch  150  in the “on” position, when sensor  152  detects a threshold of ambient daylight, controller  154  will deactivate switch  150  to power light source  130  “off.” Moreover, with switch  150  in the “off” position, when sensor  152  fails to detect a threshold of ambient daylight, controller  154  will activate switch  150  to power light source  130  “on.” 
     In the  FIG. 1  example, sensor  152  cooperates with controller  154 . Alternatively, the controller may cooperate with a timer to power the light source “on” or “off” at a pre-determined time of day. For example, the controller may power the light source “on” at 7 p.m. and “off” at 7 a.m. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , sensor  152  is located inside enclosure  110 . Alternatively, the sensor may be located on an exterior surface or edge of the enclosure, or any location that facilitates or allows the sensor to detect a threshold of ambient light. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  4 , and  6 , bottom edge  113  forms the “bottom” of enclosure  110 . Bottom edge  113  is molded to facilitate or allow manipulating and moving enclosure  110 . Bottom edge is non-fixed to facilitate or allow first surface  112  to rotate or pivot away from second surface  114 . 
     Further, as can be seen in  FIG. 1 , enclosure  110  includes a first lateral side  116  and a second lateral side  118  opposite first lateral side  116 . First lateral side  116  connects first surface  112 , second surface  114 , top edge  111 , and bottom edge  113 . Second lateral side  118  also connects first surface  112 , second surface  114 , top edge  111 , and bottom edge  113 . 
     As shown most clearly in  FIG. 4 , enclosure  110  includes a cavity  120  bounded by first surface  112 , second surface  114 , top edge  111 , bottom edge  113 , first lateral side  116 , and second lateral side  118 . Cavity  120  is configured to receive and display documents. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , cavity  120  is shaped substantially similar to the shape of enclosure  110 . Alternatively, the cavity may be shaped to compliment the shape of the enclosure or contrast with the shape of the enclosure. The cavity may be configured in any shape suitable for displaying documents, including, but not limited to, circles, squares, ovals, trapezoids, and triangles. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , light source  130  is mounted within cavity  120 . Light source  130  is configured to illuminate the contents of cavity  120 . In the  FIG. 1  example, light source  130  is comprised of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs are particularly effective and desirable as a light source because of limited power requirement and usage. Additionally or alternatively, any now know or later developed light source suitable for illuminating the contents of the cavity may be used. 
     As shown most clearly in  FIG. 4 , cavity  120  includes a plurality of retainers  166 . Retainers  166  are configured to retain or hold the contents of cavity  120 . In the  FIG. 4  example, retainers  166  are configured as tension tabs. Additionally or alternatively, the retainers may be configured in any shape or form that allows retaining or holding of the cavity contents. Acceptable retainers include, but are not limited to ties, bands, corner slots, and clips. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 9 , plurality of fasteners  140  are configured to selectively fasten enclosure  110  to a window  190  of a vehicle  199 . In the  FIG. 1  example, plurality of fasteners  140  are removably attached substantially near the corners of first surface  112 . Alternatively, the fasteners may be fixedly or removably attached to the enclosure in any manner sufficient to facilitate or allow selectively fastening the enclosure to a vehicle window. 
     As shown in the  FIG. 1  example, plurality of fasteners  140  are suction-type fasteners. Additionally or alternatively, the fasteners may be configured as any now known or later developed fastening mechanism, including, but not limited to hooks, clasps, clamps, and magnets. 
     Turning attention to  FIGS. 10-12 , a second example of a document display system, document display system  200 , will now be described. Document display system  200  includes many similar or identical features to document display system  100 . Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of document display system  200  will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between document display system  200  and document display system  100  will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the two document display systems. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 12 , document display system  200  includes an enclosure  210 , a light source  230  mounted within enclosure  210 , and a plurality of suction cup fasteners  240  mounted to enclosure  210 . 
     As shown most clearly in  FIG. 12 , enclosure  210  includes a first substantially transparent surface  212 . Further, first substantially transparent surface  212  includes a top edge  211 , a bottom edge  213  opposite top edge  211 , a first lateral side  216  connecting top edge  211  and bottom edge  213 , and a second lateral side  218  (opposite first lateral side  216 ) connecting top edge  211  and bottom edge  213 . 
     Also shown in  FIG. 12 , enclosure  210  includes a second substantially opaque surface  222  spaced from and substantially aligned with first substantially transparent surface  212 . Additionally, second substantially opaque surface  222  includes an upper edge  221 , a lower edge  223  opposite upper edge  221 , a primary lateral side  226  connecting upper edge  221  and lower edge  223 , and a secondary lateral side  228  (opposite primary lateral side  226 ) connecting upper edge  221  and lower edge  223 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 12 , top edge  211  is pivotally connected to upper edge  221 . Top edge  211  and upper edge  221  are pivotally connected by hinges. Alternatively, the top edge and the upper edge may be cooperatively connected by any now know or later developed mechanism that allows the edges to move relative to each other. Acceptable cooperative mechanisms include, but are not limited to swivels, slides, clips, and clamps. 
     Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 12 , first lateral side  216  cooperatively couples with primary lateral side  226 , and second lateral side  218  cooperatively couples with secondary lateral side  228 . In the  FIG. 12  example, the sides cooperatively couple by overlapping. Alternatively, the sides may cooperatively couple by any now known or later developed mechanism that facilitates or allows the enclosure to display documents. The sides may snap together, clamp together, or clasp together. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 12 , bottom edge  213  cooperatively couples with lower edge  223 . Bottom edge  213  rests in a recess of lower edge  223 . Alternatively, the bottom edge and the lower edge may cooperatively couple by any now known or later developed mechanism that facilitates or allows the enclosure to display documents. The bottom edge and the lower edge may snap together, clamp together, or clasp together. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , a cavity  220  is bounded by first surface  212  and second surface  222 . Cavity  220  is configured to receive and display a document within enclosure  210 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 12 , cavity  220  includes light sources  230  proximate primary lateral side  226  and secondary lateral side  228 . Additionally or alternatively, light sources may be arranged at any location or position to facilitate or allow illuminating cavity  220 . 
     Also shown in  FIG. 12 , cavity  220  includes retainers  266 . Retainers  266  are configured to retain or hold the contents of cavity  220 . In the  FIG. 12  example, retainers  266  are located proximate lower edge  223 . Alternatively, the retainers may be located at a plurality of locations suitable for retaining documents within the cavity. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , lower edge  223  includes switch  250  configured to power light source  230  “on” and “off.” In the  FIG. 10  example, switch  250  is a push button. Alternatively, the switch may be configured in any shape or form that facilitates or allows selectively powering the light source “on” or “off” as discussed above. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , second surface  222  includes programmable timer  255 . Programmable timer  255  is configured to power light source  230  “on” and “off” at a time pre-determined by a user of document display system  200 . Alternatively, the programmable timer may be configure to automatically power the light source “off” after a pre-determined time interval has elapsed. For example, the programmable timer may be programmed to power the light source “off”  2  hours after the switch powers the light source “on.” 
     Turning attention to  FIGS. 14-19 , a third example of a document display system, document display system  300 , will now be described. Document display system  300  includes a substantially rectangular transparent enclosure  310  including an interior cavity  320 , a plurality of light emitting diodes  330  mounted within the interior cavity, and a plurality of fasteners  340  mounted to an exterior surface  312  of enclosure  310 . 
     As shown most clearly in  FIG. 16 , enclosure  310  includes a hinged top edge  311 , which provides access to interior cavity  320 . Top edge  311  is hinged distal from exterior surface  312  so that top edge  311  swivels down and away from exterior surface  312 . Alternatively, the top edge may be anchored or hinged on either lateral side of the substantially rectangular transparent enclosure. 
     In the  FIG. 16  example, top edge  311  is hinged. Alternatively, the top edge may facilitate or allow access to the interior cavity through any now known or later developed mechanism. The top edge may be configured as a cap or lid. Moreover, the top edge may flip, slide, or swivel to facilitate or allow access to the interior cavity. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , interior cavity  320  includes first side  316 , second side  318  opposite first side  316 , and lower edge  313  connecting first side  316  and second side  318 . In the  FIG. 14  example, plurality of light emitting diodes  330  are proximate to lower edge  313 . Alternatively, the plurality of light emitting diodes may be aligned proximate the first side and the second side. The plurality of light emitting diodes may be configured in any location or arrangement that facilitates or allows the plurality of light emitting diodes to illuminate a document within the substantially rectangular transparent enclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , substantially rectangular transparent enclosure  310  includes switch  350 . Switch  350  is configured to power plurality of light emitting diodes “on” and “off.” The switch may be configured in any shape or form that facilitates or allows selectively powering the light source “on” or “off” as discussed above. 
     The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. 
     Applicant reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.