Frame assembly for a license plate

• US 20050093684A1
• Filed: 10/28/2004
• Published: 05/05/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/30/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Decoma International Inc (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Decoma International Inc (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Cunnien, Cole J.
• Application Number:
  US10/975,886
• Publication Number:
  US 20050093684A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/435
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/0023 the element being a sensor, e.g. distance sensor, camera
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/22 for reverse drive
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/56 for illuminating registrations or the like , e.g. for licence plates

Abstract

A frame assembly positions a license plate along a back end of a motor vehicle. The frame assembly includes a base frame adapted to be secured along the back end of the motor vehicle to retain the license plate thereto. A camera is secured to the base frame to produce an image representing an area adjacent to and behind the back end of the motor vehicle. A camera light is fixedly secured to the base frame for illuminating the area adjacent to and behind the back end of the motor vehicle. The camera light assists the camera in producing the image during low lighting conditions.

Claims

1. A license plate holder for mounting on a motor vehicle, said license plate holder comprising:

a base frame;

a cover cooperating with said base frame to define an interior cavity, said cover having at least one window enabling a license plate to be visible therethrough;

a camera mounted within said cavity, said camera for producing an image from beyond said cover;

a camera light fixedly secured to said base frame for illuminating an area focused upon by said camera enabling said camera in producing the image during low lighting conditions; and

a license plate light mounted within said cavity and directed to illuminate the license plate.

2. A frame assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cover is transparent.

3. A frame assembly as set forth in claim 2, wherein said license plate light is disposed within said interior and directed to illuminate an area behind said window.

4. A frame assembly as set forth in claim 2, wherein said assembly further comprises a seal extending between said cover plate and said base frame.

5. A frame assembly as set forth in claim 2, wherein at least one of said camera light and said license plate light is an LED.

6. A frame assembly as set forth in claim 2, wherein said camera light and said license plate light are LED'"'"'s.

7. A frame assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cover plate and said base frame cooperate to define a camera window, a camera light window and a license plate light window and said camera is mounted behind said camera window, said camera light is mounted behind said camera light window and said license plate light is mounted behind said license plate light window.

8. A frame assembly as set forth in claim 7, wherein said cover is transparent.

9. A frame assembly as set forth in claim 8, wherein said assembly further comprises a seal extending between said cover plate and said base frame.

10. A frame assembly as set forth in claim 9, wherein at least one of said camera light and said license plate light is an LED.

11. A frame assembly as set forth in claim 9, wherein said camera light and said license plate light are LED'"'"'s.

12. A frame assembly as set forth in claim 8, wherein said at least one window is open.

13. A frame assembly as set forth in claim 8, wherein said cover plate and said base plate cooperate to enable a license plate to be mounted therebetween and to a vehicle.

14. A frame assembly as set forth in claim 13, wherein said cover plate and said base plate have cooperating apertured tabs for receiving fasteners.