Apparatus and method for locating a motor vehicle by visible indication
First Claim
1. An apparatus for providing a visible indication on a non-official motor vehicle so as to facilitate location of the motor vehicle by a government authority, the apparatus comprising:
- a visible indication device attached to the motor vehicle that, when activated, is visible and recognizable from outside of the motor vehicle; and
an activating system that activates the visible indication device when an activation condition occurs.
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Abstract
An apparatus and method of use are disclosed that facilitate locating a motor vehicle by providing a visible indication on the vehicle that enables nearby individuals to realize that the vehicle is being sought. In one aspect, the visible indication is activated by a signal transmitted by the police or another government authority, or by an automated toll booth, automatic radar speed checkpoint, or other automated device. In another aspect, the visible indication device is activated automatically when the apparatus detects that the registration, insurance, etc. has expired, or that the license plate does not match the vehicle. Preferred embodiments include date and/or time tracking, and/or GPS, and transmit response signals to the government authority when activated. In preferred embodiments, the visible indication device is attached to the license plate frame, emits light, and includes a plurality colored lights or other distinguishable indications corresponding to different reasons for activation.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. An apparatus for providing a visible indication on a non-official motor vehicle so as to facilitate location of the motor vehicle by a government authority, the apparatus comprising:
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a visible indication device attached to the motor vehicle that, when activated, is visible and recognizable from outside of the motor vehicle; and an activating system that activates the visible indication device when an activation condition occurs. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A method for locating a motor vehicle that has failed to comply with at least one regulatory requirement, the method comprising:
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installing an apparatus on the motor vehicle including a visible indication device attached to the motor vehicle that, when activated, is visible and recognizable from outside of the motor vehicle, and an activating system that automatically activates the visible indication device when the motor vehicle does not comply with at least one regulatory requirement; activating of the visible indication apparatus by the activating system upon failure of the motor vehicle to comply with at least one regulatory requirement; and locating of the vehicle by at least one individual to whom the visible indication apparatus is visible.
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30. A method for facilitating the location of a motor vehicle by a government authority, the method comprising:
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installing an apparatus on the motor vehicle including a visible indication device attached to the motor vehicle that, when activated, is visible and recognizable from outside of the motor vehicle, and an activating system that activates the visible indication apparatus upon receipt of a predetermined signal from at least one of a government authority and an automated device under the control of a government authority; transmitting of a predetermined signal by at least one of a government authority and an automated device under the control of a government authority; activating the visible indication apparatus by the activating system; and locating of the vehicle by at least one individual to whom the visible indication apparatus is visible.
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Specification