U.S. patent application number 11/602125 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-14 for license plate frame assembly system and method.
Invention is credited to Karen Watters, Lee Watters.
Application Number | 20070136900 11/602125 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38141097 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070136900 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Watters; Lee ; et
al. |
June 14, 2007 |
License plate frame assembly system and method
Abstract
A system, computer program and method for creating a
user-customized license plate frame. The system and method
incorporate a license plate frame, weather-resistant paper for
displaying the user-customized message, laminate for positioning
over the weather-resistant paper, as well as electronic and printed
instructions showing the user how to use the provided electronic
templates to create a user-customized message. A computer program
causes the display of an electronic template configured to receive
text and graphics that represent a user-customized message. This
template is further configured to define a display area that
represents an outer surface of the license plate frame. The
template is also configured to receive input of the user-customized
message; and format the user-customized message for printing onto
the weather-resistant paper.
Inventors: |
Watters; Lee; (Los Angeles,
CA) ; Watters; Karen; (Los Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Daphne L. Burton
Suite 1400
2029 Century Park East
Los Angeles
CA
90067
US
|
Family ID: |
38141097 |
Appl. No.: |
11/602125 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60738950 |
Nov 22, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 ;
340/468 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 13/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
D20/013 |
International
Class: |
E01F 9/016 20060101
E01F009/016 |
Claims
1. A system for creating a user-customized license plate frame,
comprising: at least one license plate frame configured to be
positioned on a license plate; a weather-resistant display mount
configured to receive a printed user-customized message, wherein
the weather-resistant display mount is configured to be attached to
an outer surface of the license plate frame; and a
computer-readable medium that contains program instructions
configured to receive input of a user-customized message and format
the user-customized message for printing onto the weather-resistant
display mount.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer readable medium that
contains program instructions is further configured to cause the
display of an electronic template configured to receive text and
graphics that represent a user-customized message, and wherein the
electronic template is further configured to define a display area
that represents the outer surface of the license plate frame.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer readable medium
further contains displayable instructions for creating a
user-customized message and printing the message onto the
weather-resistant display mount.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising: printed instructions
for creating a user-customized message, printing the
user-customized message onto the weather-resistant display mount,
and attaching the weather-resistant display mount to the license
plate frame.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one license plate
frame is composed of plastic.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer readable medium
further contains program instructions that cause the printing of
lines on the weather-resistant display mount, wherein the lines
represent areas of the weather-resistant display mount to be
detached before attaching the weather-resistant display mount to
the license plate frame.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising: laminate configured
to overlay the weather-resistant display mount.
8. A user-customizable license plate frame assembly system,
comprising: at least one substantially rectangular license plate
frame configured to be fixedly positioned onto a license plate; at
least one sheet of adhesive-backed weather-resistant paper
configured to receive a printed user-customized message, wherein
the weather-resistant paper is configured to be attached to an
outer surface of the license plate frame; and an electronic
template configured to receive text and graphics that represent a
user-customized message, and wherein the electronic template is
further configured to define a display area that represents at
least a portion of an outer surface of a license plate frame.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the computer readable medium
further contains displayable instructions for creating a
user-customized message and printing the message onto the
weather-resistant paper.
10. The system of claim 8, further comprising: printed instructions
for creating a user-customized message, printing the
user-customized message onto the weather-resistant paper, and
attaching the weather-resistant paper to the license plate
frame.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one license plate
frame is composed of plastic.
12. The system of claim 8, wherein each at least one license plate
frame is a different color.
13. The system of claim 8, further comprising: laminate configured
to overlay the weather-resistant paper.
14. A computer readable medium containing program instructions for
creating a user-customized license plate frame which, when executed
by a computer processor, cause the processor to perform the steps
of: causing the display of an electronic template configured to
receive text and graphics that represent a user-customized message,
and wherein the electronic template is further configured to define
a display area that represents an outer surface of the license
plate frame; receiving input of the user-customized message; and
formatting the user-customized message for printing onto a
weather-resistant display mount that is configured to be positioned
on the license plate frame.
15. A method for creating a user-customized license plate frame,
comprising: providing at least one license plate frame that is
configured to be positioned on a license plate; causing the display
of an electronic template configured to receive text and graphics
that represent a user-customized message, and wherein the
electronic template is further configured to define a display area
that represents an outer surface of the license plate frame;
receiving electronic input of the user-customized message;
providing a weather-resistant display mount that is configured to
receive a printed user-customized message, wherein the
weather-resistant display mount is configured to be attached to an
outer surface of the license plate frame; and electronically
formatting the user-customized message for printing onto the
weather-resistant display mount.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the weather-resistant display
mount is paper having an adhesive backing.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: providing printed
instructions for creating a user-customized message, printing the
user-customized message onto the weather-resistant display mount,
and printed instructions for attaching the weather-resistant
display mount to the license plate frame.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one license plate
frame is composed of plastic.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein each at least one license plate
frame is a different color.
20. The method of claim 15, further comprising: providing laminate
configured to overlay the weather-resistant display mount.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Pursuant to 35 USC .sctn.119 (e), this application claims
the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No.
60/738,950 filed on Nov. 22, 2005, in the names of inventors Karen
and Lee Watters, and titled "License Plate Frame Assembly Kit and
Method".
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] The present disclosure relates. to license plate frames and,
more particularly, to a system, computer program and method for
creating and assembling a user-customized license plate frame.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] License plate frames have become expressive media. End users
of license plate frames--including automobile owners or those
having the owner's permission--may wish to display customized
messages on their license plate frames. These customized messages
may include text and graphics. The messages may relate to political
expression, advertising and/or promotions.
[0006] At present, end users regularly rely on others, e.g.,
molding or engraving professionals, to assemble and prepare
customized messages for license plate frames. The message may be
molded onto the frame with raised text and/or graphics. However,
these molded or engraved frames may be relatively expensive.
Moreover, relying on professional(s) to create the messages gives
the end users less control over the process. In addition, these
frames are often pre-manufactured, and may not necessarily convey
the message that the user desires.
[0007] Silk-screened license plate frames are also available.
However, these frames often must be purchased in larger quantities.
Moreover, as with the engraved license plate frames, professionals
often must be relied upon to prepare and assemble the license plate
frames.
[0008] In addition to the engraved or molded frames and the
silk-screened frames, off-the-shelf press-on letters could be
applied to a license plate frame. However, this combination of
press-on letters and a frame do not give the user much control over
the design or durability. The user's expression is limited to the
press-on items and its corresponding text and graphics. Moreover,
the manual application of the letters might result in greater
layout errors and possibly ruining the aesthetics of the frame.
This may cause the end user to waste time and money.
[0009] There is a need for a license plate frame assembly system
and method that allows a user to customize the frame autonomously
and at a low cost.
[0010] There is also a need for a license plate frame assembly
system and method that permit a user to assemble the customized
frame with a reduced possibility of layout errors.
[0011] Moreover, the user may wish to have a convenient way to
change the display on his or her license plate frame. There is
still further a need for a license plate frame assembly system and
method that allows a user to easily change the message that is
displayed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0012] The present disclosure addresses the needs noted above by
providing a user-customized license plate frame assembly system,
computer program and method.
[0013] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure,
a system is provided for a user-customizable license plate frame.
The system comprises at least one license plate frame configured to
be positioned on a license plate. The system further comprises a
weather-resistant display mount configured to receive a printed
user-customized message, wherein the weather-resistant display
mount is configured to be attached to an outer surface of the
license plate frame. Moreover, the system comprises a
computer-readable medium that contains program instructions
configured to receive input of a user-customized message and format
the user-customized message for printing onto the weather-resistant
display mount.
[0014] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
disclosure, a computer program containing program instructions for
creating a user-customizable license plate. When executed by a
computer processor, the program instructions cause the processor to
perform the steps of: causing the display of an electronic template
configured to receive text and graphics that represent a
user-customized message, and wherein the electronic template is
further configured to define a display area that represents an
outer surface of the license plate frame; receiving input of the
user-customized message; and formatting the user-customized message
for printing onto a weather-resistant display mount that is
configured to be positioned on the license plate frame.
[0015] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
disclosure, a method is provided for creating a user-customized
license plate frame. The method comprises: providing at least one
license plate frame that is configured to be positioned on a
license plate; and causing the display of an electronic template
configured to receive text and graphics that represent a
user-customized message. The electronic template is further
configured to define a display area that represents an outer
surface of the license plate frame. The computer program also
contains program instructions for receiving electronic input of the
user-customized message; providing a weather-resistant display
mount that is configured to receive a printed user-customized
message, wherein the weather-resistant display mount is configured
to be attached to an outer surface of the license plate frame; and
electronically formatting the user-customized message for printing
onto the weather-resistant display mount.
[0016] These, as well as other objects, features and benefits will
now become clear from a review of the following detailed
description of illustrative embodiments and the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for creating a user-customized
license plate frame in accordance with one embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed front view of a license plate
frame in accordance with one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a computer workstation that may be
employed by a user to create a user-customized license plate frame
from a template in accordance with one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a screenshot of a template that may be
used to generate a user-customized message in accordance with one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a brochure that illustrates some of the types of
message that could be displayed in accordance with one embodiment
of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0022] The present disclosure provides a system, computer program
and method for creating and assembling a user-customized license
plate frame. The present disclosure provides ways for end users to
express themselves through messages that include text and/or
graphics. The messages may be chosen by the users. The messages may
relate to just about any topic, including but not limited to,
topics related to political expression, advertising, promotions,
organizations, or favorite sports teams.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 1, illustrated is an assembly system
for a user-customized license plate frame in accordance with one
embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the system 200 may
include a license plate frame 100 having an aperture 105
therethrough for viewing a license plate. The system also may
include weather-resistant paper 220 and computer readable media,
e.g., compact disk 230, containing electronic instructions and one
or more templates for creating a user-customized message for
positioning on a license plate frame. Printed instructions 240 also
may be included with system 200.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrated is a detailed front
view of a license plate frame in accordance with one embodiment of
the present disclosure. The license plate frame 100 is generally
rectangular in shape, having an aperture 105 therethrough.
[0025] The license plate frame 100 includes upper and lower
horizontally extending portions 102 and 104. Additionally, the
license plate frame 100 includes vertically disposed end portions
106 extending between and integrally connected to the opposite ends
of the horizontally extending portions. Each of portions 102, 104,
106 is on the outer surface of the license plate frame 100.
[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 2, connector portions 108 extend
below horizontally extending portion 102. A screw aperture 110 may
be formed through each of the connector portions 108. A screw (not
shown) may be placed through these screw apertures 110 for
securedly or fixedly positioning the license plate frame onto a
license plate and a vehicle.
[0027] The license plate frame 100 may be a custom-molded or
off-the-shelf license plate frame that is manufactured using
injection molding or any other process that would allow the
creation of a license plate frame. The license plate frame may be
composed of--or include in its make-up--plastic or any other
material suitable for license plate frames. Because a license plate
frame may be exposed to inclement weather, it may be desirable for
its material to be relatively durable and weather-resistant
resistant. The top portion 120 and bottom portion 130 of license
plate frame 10--which are located on an outer surface of the frame
when the frame is in use--may define a display area for a
user-customized message. The vertically disposed end portions 106
of the license plate frame 100--which also are located on an outer
surface of the frame when the frame is in use--may also define
display areas for the user-customized message.
[0028] Software files may be supplied with the system to assist the
user in creating a user-customized message. Referring back to FIG.
1, compact disk 230 may contain computer readable files or programs
that cause the display of a template for use in generating text
and/or graphics and formatting same for display on a license plate
frame. Although a compact disk 230 is used in this example, it
should be understood that any form of removable storage media may
be used to store the software files.
[0029] The software may be used in conjunction with--or may be
displayed in--a word processing program, e.g., MICROSOFT..TM.
WORD..TM., MICROSOFT..TM. WORKS..TM., APPLEWORKS..TM.,
WORDPERFECT..TM. or any number of word processing programs. The
software may also be used in conjunction with --or may be displayed
in--a graphic design program, e.g., ADOBE..TM. PHOTOSHOP..TM.,
ADOBE..TM. PHOTOSHOP..TM. ELEMENTS..TM. and/or MICROSOFT..TM.
PAINT..TM.. The software may format the message so that it fits
onto the outer surface of a license plate frame. The message may be
formatted to fit into any one or more of the top portion 120, the
bottom portion 130, one of the two vertically disposed end portions
106, or other outward facing surface of the license plate frame
100.
[0030] One or more software files on compact disk 230 may be saved
onto the hard drive of the user's personal computer.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated is a computer
workstation that may be employed by a user to create a
user-customized license plate frame from a template in accordance
with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The computer
workstation 300 includes, within console 365, a central processing
unit (processor), random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory
(ROM), a display 310 e.g., a monitor, a keyboard 320 for input into
the workstation, and a mouse 330 also for input into the
workstation. Compact disk slot 340 may be used for removable
storage media such as the compact disk having templates and
instructions. The computer may also have other permanent storage
such as a hard drive for saving the electronic file containing
templates on the user's computer.
[0032] Apart from the computer workstation, scissors 370 are also
shown. The scissors 370 may be used to cut the weather-resistant
paper 360 along lines generated by the software. The lines
represent portions of the weather-resistant paper that may be
detached so that the weather-resistant paper is the size of, or
smaller than, the license plate frame. Using this technique, by
detaching portions of the weather-resistant paper, the paper is
sized to fit and/or adhere to the license plate frame.
[0033] The software files may include electronic templates that
serve as guides for inputting the desired user-customized message.
The template may be used to format the message. In this connection,
the template may provide a field for inputting a message to be
placed within the top portion of a license plate frame. Likewise,
the template may provide a field for user input of a message to be
placed within the bottom portion of a license plate frame. The
template may provide for user input of a message suitable for
placement onto other portions of the license plate frame.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 4, a screenshot 400 is provided for a
template for use in creating a user-customized message. Several
distinct fields 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480 may be
provided on the screen. The user may simply input the desired text
and/or graphics into the distinct fields. In accordance with this
example, pairs of fields may be used to represent the top and
bottom portions, respectively, of the license plate frame. For
example, fields 410 may represent a place for a message to be
positioned at the top portion of a license plate frame, while field
420 may represent a place for a message to be positioned at the
bottom portion of a license plate frame. It should be noted that
the template also may be configured to create a message(s) suitable
for placement in one or both vertically disposed end portions of a
license plate frame or other outward facing surface of the license
plate frame.
[0035] The screenshot illustrates that messages may be created for
use with multiple license plate frames, and the messages may be
printed on a single sheet of 8-1/2'' .times.11'' weather-resistant
paper.
[0036] The user may create the message by inputting keystrokes that
represent characters. User input also may be images for display on
a license plate frame.
[0037] The weather-resistant paper may be used to semi-permanently
mount the paper onto the license plate frame.
[0038] Referring back to FIG. 3, the weather-resistant paper 360
may be, for example, vinyl ink jet laser paper having an adhesive
backing. One example of such weather-resistant or label paper is
commercially available from ONLINE LABELS, INC. The adhesive
backing for the weather-resistant paper may include, but is not
limited to: glue, paste, epoxy resin, bonding agents or other
attachment agents that may be used to attach the paper to the
license plate frame. Moreover, the attachment agent also may be
designed to be removed readily when the user pulls the
weather-resistant paper away from the frame. In this manner, the
user may remove the message and more easily display a new
customized message when the user sees fit. The user could also
paste the new message over the prior message.
[0039] The user may print the message using a color inkjet printer,
cut the weather-resistant paper along the prescribed lines, and
attach the message onto the frame using the adhesive backing.
[0040] Alternatively, the electronic printing and template may be
skipped altogether and the message may be written onto the
weather-resistant paper with a marker, crayon or other writing
apparatus configured to write onto the weather-resistant paper
360.
[0041] The user-customized message can be just about anything the
user wishes it to be. However, factors such as the size of font and
colors may factor into the end user's decision. Such factors may
affect the visibility of the message that the user wishes to
convey.
[0042] For added protection from the elements, laminate (not shown)
may be provided to overlay the weather-resistant paper. The
laminate may have additional weather-resistant properties,
including but not limited to, protection against the following: UV
rays, the effects of heat at higher temperatures; the effects of
lower temperatures; wind; precipitation and/or debris. Such
laminate is commercially available as DRYTAC..TM.
WEATHERSHIELD..TM. LUSTRE UV 100 .mu. film and DRYTAC..TM.
WEATHERSHIELD..TM. EMERYTEX..TM. UV 125 .mu. film. The
user-customized license plate frame may be fixedly attached to the
license plate frame via hardware, including but not limited to,
screws, or nuts and bolts. A spray-on laminate could also be
sprayed onto the weather-resistant paper after the paper is applied
to the license plate frame.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 5, illustrated is a brochure that
shows some types of messages that could be displayed in accordance
with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the
user-customized message may relate to just about any topic that is
of interest to the user, e.g., the user's favorite sports team, a
band or other organization, a political message, or an
advertisement, just to name a few.
[0044] While the specification describes particular embodiments of
the present invention, those of ordinary skill can devise
variations of the present invention without departing from the
inventive concept.
* * * * *