Licence plate holder

Abstract

The invention relates to a licence plate holder (100) for a motor vehicle (200), comprising a base plate (102) which has a substantially rectangular shape and from which a peripheral wall (104) extends. The wall (104) is formed along a first edge (106) of the base plate (102) with an uninterrupted, substantially immovable holding strip (108) with a receiving slot (110) which is in particular unchangeable in terms of its dimensions and is designed to receive a licence plate (112), wherein the wall (104) has, on a further edge (114, 116, 118) of the base plate (102), an elastically flexible holding element (120) with an insertion bevel (122), said holding element being designed to fix the licence plate (112).

Description

[0001] License plate holder

[0002] DESCRIPTION:

[0003] The invention relates to a license plate holder for a motor vehicle.

[0004] Such license plate holders are used to attach a license plate or number plate to a motor vehicle, for example a car or a motorcycle.

[0005] To attach license plates to conventional license plate holders, parts of the license plate holder must be folded away or removed. The license plate can then be inserted into the conventional license plate holder. The fastening elements are then folded back into place or reattached to the license plate holder.

[0006] Such license plate holders have the disadvantage that they cannot guarantee optimal fixation of the license plate in the license plate holder, as there is often a lot of play between the license plate holder and the license plate. This, in turn, leads to the license plate rattling in the license plate holder while driving. Another disadvantage of such license plate holders is that fastening elements must be folded away or removed in order to attach the license plate. This results in a complex construction of such license plate holders.

[0007] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a license plate holder that is simple and cost-effective to manufacture and ensures secure fixation of a license plate. This object is achieved by a license plate holder having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] The license plate holder according to the invention comprises a base plate having a substantially rectangular shape, from which a circumferential wall extends. The circumferential wall is formed along a first edge of the base plate with an uninterrupted, substantially immovable retaining strip having a receiving slot, which is invariable, in particular, with regard to its dimensions. The receiving slot is designed to receive a license plate. At a further edge of the base plate, the wall has an elastically flexible retaining element with an insertion bevel, which is designed to secure the license plate.

[0009] This provides a particularly simple, one-piece license plate holder that allows for both secure mounting and secure fixation of a license plate. The license plate is received in the slot and secured by the retaining element. Furthermore, the beveled insertion of the retaining element allows for easy insertion or clipping of the license plate into the license plate holder without great effort and without folding away elements that then have to be manually folded back and snapped into place. The surface of the uninterrupted retaining strip can also be used as an advertising space, as images or lettering applied to it are particularly visible.

[0010] Preferably, the retaining element is formed on a second edge of the base plate, running parallel to the first edge. Such an arrangement of the retaining element enables particularly easy clipping of the license plate into the license plate holder. In one embodiment of the invention, the retaining element is formed on a third edge of the base plate, running orthogonally to the first edge. This also allows the license plate to be clipped into the license plate holder particularly easily.

[0011] In one embodiment, the retaining element is formed on a fourth edge of the base plate, extending orthogonally to the first edge. This arrangement of the retaining element also allows the license plate to be easily clipped into the license plate holder.

[0012] One aspect of the invention provides that the retaining element is formed on the first, second, and third edges of the base plate. This allows for a particularly secure and robust fixation of the license plate.

[0013] Preferably, a recess is provided directly adjacent to the retaining element, designed to facilitate movement of the retaining element. This further reduces the force required to clip in the license plate.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the insertion bevel has an angle of 35 degrees to 55 degrees. With this angle, the license plate is inserted smoothly into the license plate holder when clipped in, further reducing the force required.

[0015] The insertion bevel preferably has a 45-degree angle. This allows for particularly easy attachment of the license plate in the license plate holder without requiring great force, as the license plate is optimally guided into the license plate holder by the insertion bevel.

[0016] One aspect of the invention provides that the retaining element has two retaining tabs separated by a gap, each of which forms the insertion bevel, and which are designed to grip the license plate. By gripping the license plate, a particularly reliable and stable fixation is ensured. The separation of the retaining tabs, in turn, facilitates clipping the license plate, as the movement of the retaining element is further facilitated.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the wall has several separate retaining elements on a second edge of the base plate, which runs parallel to the first edge. Several separate retaining elements enable the license plate to be securely fixed while requiring minimal force.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the wall has several separate retaining elements on a third edge of the base plate, which runs orthogonally to the first edge. This also enables simple and secure attachment of the license plate.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the wall has several separate retaining elements on a fourth edge of the base plate, which runs orthogonally to the first edge. This also enables simple and secure attachment of the license plate.

[0020] Preferably, the retaining elements are arranged equidistant from each other. This ensures that the license plate is evenly distributed and fixed to the license plate holder.

[0021] Preferably, the receiving slot extends substantially from a third edge of the base plate, which runs orthogonally to the first edge, to a fourth edge of the base plate, which runs parallel to the third edge. Due to the continuous receiving slot, the license plate is held particularly securely in the license plate holder.

[0022] One aspect of the invention provides that the receiving slot is formed by means of a base, an outer wall extending from the base, and an inner wall extending from the base. In an assembled state of the license plate holder, the outer wall is formed by the uninterrupted retaining strip on a side of the base plate facing away from a motor vehicle. The outer wall has an inner side that delimits the receiving slot in a direction away from the vehicle. The inner wall is formed on a side of the base plate facing the motor vehicle and has an inner side that delimits the receiving slot in a direction toward the motor vehicle. The inner wall has an outer side that faces the motor vehicle, wherein the distance from the inner side of the outer wall to the inner side of the inner wall is between 2 millimeters (mm) and 6 mm.This design of the receiving slot allows for particularly precise recording of an edge of the license plate without having to fold any parts open or away.

[0023] Preferably, the distance between the inside of the outer wall and the inside of the inner wall is 3.25 mm. This allows for virtually no play in the license plate, thus minimizing rattling while ensuring secure mounting of the license plate.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, the distance from the bottom of the receiving slot to an upper edge of the outer wall is between 2 mm and 6 mm. This ensures reliable reception of the license plate.

[0025] Preferably, the distance from the bottom of the slot to the top edge of the outer wall is 3.75 mm. This design allows for particularly reliable mounting of the license plate while simultaneously using minimal material.

[0026] One aspect of the invention provides for an elastically flexible return element on the base plate, which is designed to press the license plate against a side of the retaining element facing away from the insertion bevel. This ensures a play-free fixation of the license plate and minimizes rattling. Preferably, the return element is formed integrally with the base plate. This eliminates the need for multiple components.

[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, the return element protrudes from a second edge of the base plate, which runs parallel to the first edge, into a recess in the base plate. The recess increases the elastic resilience of the return element. Furthermore, the arrangement of the return element on the edge where the retaining element is formed is advantageous, as the return element thus presses the license plate securely against the retaining element.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, the reset element protrudes from a third edge of the base plate, which runs orthogonally to the first edge, into a recess in the base plate. This minimizes rattling and ensures secure fixation of the license plate.

[0029] In one embodiment of the invention, the return element protrudes from a fourth edge of the base plate, which runs orthogonally to the first edge, into a recess in the base plate. This also minimizes rattling and ensures secure fixation of the license plate.

[0030] Preferably, several reset elements are provided. This allows for particularly secure fixation of the license plate. Furthermore, adding multiple reset elements further minimizes noise caused by rattling.

[0031] One aspect of the invention provides for a strut on the base plate designed to increase the rigidity of the license plate holder. This ensures the dimensional stability of the license plate holder, which, among other things, further minimizes noise generated by rattling. Furthermore, the robustness of the license plate holder against external influences is increased. Preferably, holes are provided in the base plate designed to attach the license plate holder to a motor vehicle. This enables easy installation of the license plate holder on a vehicle.

[0032] Preferably, the license plate holder is manufactured in one piece using an injection molding process. This allows for simple, cost-effective, and rapid production of the license plate holder.

[0033] The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments are also to be considered encompassed and disclosed by the invention that are not explicitly shown or explained in the figures, but that proceed and can be generated through later feature combinations from the explanatory statements.

[0034] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made. The drawings show:

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a license plate holder according to the invention,

[0036] Figure 2 is a plan view of an embodiment of a license plate holder according to the invention,

[0037] Figure 3 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a license plate holder according to the invention according to the section in Figure 2,

[0038] Figure 4 is a detailed view of detail X from Figure 3, Figure 5 is a detailed view of detail Y from Figure 3, and

[0039] Figure 6 shows the detailed view from Figure 4 with a license plate attached.

[0040] Figure 1 shows a license plate holder 100 with a base plate 102 from which a continuous wall 104 extends.

[0041] In the embodiment shown, the license plate holder 100 is manufactured in one piece by means of an injection molding process.

[0042] The wall 104 extends vertically upward from the base plate 102, so that the license plate holder has a height of E (Fig. 3). A chamfer is formed at the transition from the base plate 102 to the wall 104.

[0043] The base plate 102 is rectangular in shape and therefore has a first edge 106, thus a longitudinal edge, a second edge 114, thus another longitudinal edge, a third edge 116, thus a lateral edge, and a fourth edge 118, thus another lateral edge. Of course, it is also conceivable for the base plate 102 to have a different shape, such as a round or polygonal shape.

[0044] The second edge 114 runs parallel to the first edge 106. The third and fourth edges 116, 118 run orthogonally to the first and second edges 106, 114 and parallel to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the distance C from the third edge 116 to the fourth edge 118 is adapted to the length of a German license plate, so that it can be accommodated and secured in the license plate holder 100.

[0045] A continuous and immovable support strip 108 extends along the first edge 106. The support strip 108 thus extends continuously from the third edge 116 to the fourth edge 118 without interruption and is immovable except for the elasticity of the chosen manufacturing material, meaning it cannot be folded away or adjusted to another position. This uninterrupted surface can be used, for example, as an advertising surface.

[0046] Figure 2 shows the license plate holder 100 in a top view. It can be seen that the wall 104 in this embodiment has retaining elements 120 at the edge 114, which runs parallel to the first edge 106.

[0047] In the embodiment shown, a plurality of holding elements 102 are formed in the wall 104 at the second edge 114, which are arranged equidistant from one another.

[0048] It is conceivable that the holding elements 120 are also arranged on the second and / or third edge 116 and / or on the fourth edge 118. For example, holding elements 12 can be present only on the width edges 116, 118. It is also conceivable that the holding elements 120 are designed for a particularly secure fixation of a license plate 112 on the second, third, and fourth edges 114, 116, 118, or that only a single large holding element 120 is designed, which extends over several of the edges 114, 116, 118.

[0049] Each holding element 120 has an insertion bevel 122, as shown, for example, as a detail in Figure 4. The insertion bevel 122 has an angle of 45 degrees and is designed to insert the license plate 112 into the license plate holder 100.

[0050] Furthermore, each holding element 120 has two holding tabs 128 separated from each other by a gap 126, on each of which the insertion bevel 122 is formed, and which are designed to encompass the identification mark 112, as shown in Fig. 6. It is also conceivable that multiple gaps 126 are present. For example, two gaps 126 and three holding tabs 128 can also be present.

[0051] Figure 3 shows that a recess 124 is formed directly adjacent to the retaining element 120. This recess 124 is formed partly in the base plate 102 and partly in the wall 104 and the bevel, has a rectangular shape, and facilitates movement of the retaining element 120 when clipping in the license plate 112.

[0052] Furthermore, as can be seen in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, smaller recesses 101 of rectangular shape are formed in the wall 104 next to the retaining elements 120. One of the recesses 101 faces the third edge 116 or is formed to the left of the retaining element 120, and another recess 101 faces the fourth edge 118 or is formed to the right of the retaining element 120. These recesses 101 also facilitate the movement of the retaining element 120 when clipping in the license plate 112.

[0053] From Figure 4, it can again be seen that the holding element 120 is arranged such that a holding side 146, which faces away from the insertion bevel 122, is arranged parallel to the base plate 102. In other words, this results in a slot between the base plate 102 and the holding side 146 of the holding element 120 with the width F.

[0054] Figure 5 shows the design of the (lower) receiving slot 110. The receiving slot 110 is formed by a base 130, an outer wall 132, and an inner wall 134.

[0055] The outer wall 132 is formed by the retaining strip 108 and is arranged facing away from a vehicle 200 shown schematically in Fig. 5 or on a side of the base plate 102 facing away from the vehicle 200.

[0056] The inner wall 134 is arranged on a side of the base plate 102 facing the vehicle 200. The inner wall 134 has an inner side 138 that delimits the receiving slot 110 in a direction facing the vehicle 200. Furthermore, the inner wall 134 has an outer side 140 that faces the vehicle 200.

[0057] The outer wall 132 has an inner side 136 that delimits the receiving slot 110 in a direction facing away from the vehicle 200. The distance A, i.e., the distance from the inner side 136 of the outer wall 132 to the inner side 138 of the inner wall 134, is 3.25 mm, so that the license plate 112 is received in the receiving slot 110 with as little play as possible.

[0058] The distance B from the bottom 130 of the receiving slot 110 to an upper edge 142 of the outer wall 132 is 3.75 mm, so that the license plate 112 is securely received while using minimal material.

[0059] The distance D, which can be seen in Fig. 3, is also adapted to a German license plate in the embodiment shown, so that it can be accommodated in the license plate holder 100.

[0060] Figure 2 also shows return elements 144 which protrude from the second edge 114 into a recess 148 in the base plate 102. The return elements 144 are formed integrally with the base plate 102. However, it is also conceivable for the return elements 144 to protrude from the third and / or fourth edge 116, 118 into a recess 148 in the base plate 102, with the recess then also being formed on these edges. It is also conceivable for only one return element 144 to be present, for example to save material. Furthermore, it is also conceivable for a single large return element 144 to be present, which extends in a recess 148 which runs, for example, from the third edge 116 to the fourth edge 118.

[0061] Figure 4 again shows that the return elements 144 protrude from the plane of the base plate 102. The return elements 144 have a slope that protrudes from the plane of the base plate 102 and then merges into a plateau. This plateau is designed to press against the license plate 112 and thus fix it against the holding side 146 of the holding element 120. This is illustrated, for example, in Figure 6. Rattling while driving is also prevented or at least minimized in this way.

[0062] Figure 2 also shows that struts 150 are present on the base plate 102. These struts 150 increase the rigidity of the license plate holder 100.

[0063] Furthermore, Figure 2 shows that holes 152 are present in the base plate 102. These holes 152 serve, on the one hand, to attach the license plate holder 100 to a vehicle 200, and, on the other hand, to reduce weight.

[0064] The following describes how a license plate 112 is attached to the license plate holder 100.

[0065] First, the license plate 112 is pushed with its underside or lower edge into the receiving slot 110, in particular vertically, and is received by it.

[0066] In a next step, the license plate 112 is pressed with its upper edge, i.e. the edge opposite the edge in the receiving slot 110, against the insertion bevels 122, in particular horizontally, so that the holding element 120 deflects upwards and the license plate 112 is inserted into the license plate holder 100.

[0067] During the final clipping of the license plate 112 into the license plate holder 100, the license plate 112 is pressed against the return elements 144. The retaining element 120 is pushed upward slightly upon insertion of the license plate 112 until the retaining lugs 128 can grip the license plate 112. Then, due to its elastic flexibility, the retaining element 120 moves back to its original position, and the retaining lugs 128 grip the license plate 112.

[0068] After the identification mark 112 has snapped into the retaining elements 120, the return elements 144 press the identification mark 112 against the retaining side 146 of the retaining element 120, which faces away from the insertion bevel 112. This ensures particularly reliable fixation.

[0069] Thus, when clipping the license plate 112 into the license plate holder 100, no additional manual folding or adjustment of the holding element 120 or other components is necessary.

[0070] The license plate 112 is then securely received in the receiving slot 110 and reliably fixed by the retaining elements 120. The return elements 144 press the license plate 112 against the retaining elements 120, thereby further securing them and eliminating any play. As a result, the license plate 112 hardly moves at all in the license plate holder 100, for example, while driving, and no disturbing noises develop during driving.

[0071] SYMBOL LIST:

[0072] 100 license plate holders

[0073] 101 small recess

[0074] 102 Base plate

[0075] 104 Wall

[0076] 106 first edge

[0077] 108 retaining strip

[0078] 110 Recording slot

[0079] 112 license plates

[0080] 114 second edge

[0081] 116 third edge

[0082] 118 fourth edge

[0083] 120 holding element

[0084] 122 insertion bevel

[0085] 124 Recess (on the holding element)

[0086] 126 gap

[0087] 128 Stop flag

[0088] 130 floor

[0089] 132 exterior wall

[0090] 134 interior wall

[0091] 136 Inside (of the outer wall)

[0092] 138 Inside (of the inner wall)

[0093] 140 Outside (of the inner wall)

[0094] 142 upper edge

[0095] 144 Reset element

[0096] 146 stopping side

[0097] 148 Recess (on the return element)

[0098] 150 strut

[0099] 152 holes

[0100] 200 vehicles

[0101] A distance

[0102] B Distance

[0103] C Distance D Distance

[0104] E Distance (Height)

[0105] F Distance

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. License plate holder (100) for a motor vehicle (200), comprising a base plate (102) which has a substantially rectangular shape, from which a circumferential wall (104) extends, characterized in that the wall (104) is formed along a first edge (106) of the base plate (102) with an uninterrupted, substantially immovable holding strip (108) with a receiving slot (110), which is invariable in particular with regard to its dimensions and is designed to receive a license plate (112), and in that the wall (104) has, on a further edge (114, 116, 118) of the base plate (102), an elastically flexible holding element (120) with an insertion bevel (122) which is designed to fix the license plate (112).

2. License plate holder (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding element (120) is formed on a second edge (114) of the base plate (102) running parallel to the first edge (106).

3. License plate holder (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding element (120) is formed on a third edge (116) of the base plate (102) extending orthogonally to the first edge (106).

4. License plate holder (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the holding element (120) is formed on a fourth edge (118) of the base plate (102) extending orthogonally to the first edge (106).

5. License plate holder (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that directly adjacent to the holding element (120) there is a recess (124) which is designed to facilitate movement of the holding element (120).

6. License plate holder (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the insertion bevel (122) has an angle of 35 degrees to 55 degrees.

7. License plate holder (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the insertion bevel (122) has an angle of 45 degrees.

8. License plate holder (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the holding element (120) has two holding lugs (128) separated from one another by a gap (126), on each of which the insertion bevel (122) is formed, and which are designed to encompass the license plate (112).

9. License plate holder (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the wall (104) has a plurality of separate holding elements (120) on a second edge (114) of the base plate (102) running parallel to the first edge (106).

10. License plate holder (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the wall (104) has a plurality of separate holding elements (120) on a third edge (116) of the base plate (102) extending orthogonally to the first edge (106).

11. License plate holder (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the wall (104) has a plurality of separate holding elements (120) on a fourth edge (118) of the base plate (102) extending orthogonally to the first edge (106).

12. License plate holder (100) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the holding elements (120) are arranged equidistant from one another.

13. License plate holder (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the receiving slot (110) extends substantially from a third edge extending orthogonally to the first edge (106) (116) of the base plate (102) extends to a fourth edge (118) of the base plate (102) running parallel to the third edge (116).

14. License plate holder (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the receiving slot (110) is formed by means of a base (130), an outer wall (132) extending from the base (130) and an inner wall (134) extending from the base (130), wherein the outer wall (132), in an assembled state of the license plate holder (100), is formed by the uninterrupted holding strip (108) on a side of the base plate (102) facing away from a motor vehicle (200), wherein the outer wall (132) has an inner side (136) which delimits the receiving slot (110) in a direction facing away from the motor vehicle (200), and wherein the inner wall (134) is formed on a side of the base plate (102) facing the motor vehicle (200) and has an inner side (138) which delimits the receiving slot (110) in a direction facing away from the Motor vehicle (200) facing direction, and wherein the inner wall (134) has an outer side (140),which faces the motor vehicle (200), wherein the distance (A) from the inner side (136) of the outer wall (132) to the inner side (138) of the inner wall (134) is between 2 millimeters (mm) and 6 mm., 15. License plate holder (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that the distance (A) from the inner side (136) of the outer wall (132) to the inner side (138) of the inner wall (134) is 3.25 mm.

16. License plate holder (100) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the distance (B) from the bottom (130) of the receiving slot (110) to an upper edge (142) of the outer wall (132) is between 2 mm and 6 mm.

17. License plate holder (100) according to claim 16, characterized in that the distance (B) from the bottom (130) of the receiving slot (110) to the upper edge (142) of the outer wall (132) is 3.75 mm.

18. License plate holder (100) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that an elastically flexible return element (144) is present on the base plate (102), which is designed to press the license plate (112) against a side (146) of the holding element (120) which is facing away from the insertion bevel (122).

19. License plate holder (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that the return element (144) is formed integrally with the base plate (102).

20. License plate holder according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the return element (144) projects from a second edge (114) of the base plate (102) running parallel to the first edge (106) into a recess (148) of the base plate (102).

21. License plate holder (100) according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the return element (144) projects from a third edge (116) of the base plate (102) extending orthogonally to the first edge (106) into a recess (148) of the base plate (102).

22. License plate holder (100) according to claim 18 or 21, characterized in that the return element (144) projects from a fourth edge (118) of the base plate (102) extending orthogonally to the first edge (106) into a recess (148) of the base plate (102).

23. License plate holder (100) according to one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that several of the restoring elements (144) are present.

24. License plate holder (100) according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that a strut (150) is provided on the base plate (102) which is designed to increase the rigidity of the license plate holder (100).

25. License plate holder (100) according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that holes (152) are provided in the base plate (102) and are designed to attach the license plate holder (100) to a motor vehicle (200).

26. License plate holder (100) according to one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that the license plate holder (100) is manufactured in one piece by means of an injection molding process.

Images