Card – picture – or sign exhibiting – Signs – Suction cup mounting means
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-14
2002-09-10
Green, Brian K. (Department: 3611)
Card, picture, or sign exhibiting
Signs
Suction cup mounting means
C040S591000, C040S611050, C040S661000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06446375
ABSTRACT:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an automobile window message display device, which is comprised of a plastic envelope that is rectangular in shape, slightly curved from top to bottom, light in weight, rigid in flex, transparent, fully open at the top and partially vented at the bottom. The envelope holds, displays, protects and stores a wide variety of message sheets that are comprised of thin lightweight flexible material with light-reflective color contrasting messages and backgrounds. The envelope is attachable to the inside or outside of automobile windows by means of two suction cups for the purpose of visually communicating at night or day with people outside of the vehicle, such as drivers and passengers of other automobiles, as well as pedestrians.
The appropriate patent classification for my invention appears to be Class 40, CARD, PICTURE, OR SIGN EXHIBITING (“This class includes means for displaying information by printed or painted cards, calendars, photographic transparency viewers, railroad train station indicators, pictures, labels or tags or index files . . . .”), Subclass 584 SIGNS (“Device under the class definition which comprises inscribed boards, cards, slates, objects, etc., whereby definite information may be conveyed to an observer.”), Subclass 597 (“Sign under subclass 584 wherein the sign is mounted with suction cups onto a surface.”).
In spite of the proliferation of CB radios and cellular telephones in recent years, a significant number of operators and passengers of automobiles today do not have the use of either type of device to communicate with others as they travel on roads, streets, highways and freeways throughout the world. Also, present cellular telephone transmission and reception areas cover only a small percentage of existing roadways. Additionally, this type of telecommunication service is susceptible to disruption and interference from a variety of sources including, but not limited to, electromagnetic fields associated with high voltage electrical power lines and solar flare activity. Furthermore, inherent to automobile travel is a variety of other challenges and risks that, when confronted, beg for quick, simple and effective visual communication between drivers, passengers and pedestrians. Examples of such communication needs are warnings of hazardous road conditions and or vehicle collisions, requests for roadside assistance due to a vehicle breakdown or personal emergency situation, notification of vehicle malfunctions (headlight or taillight out, door or trunk ajar, low tire, etc.), as well as announcements, greetings, slogans, etc.
Because the need for this type of visual communication occurs under variable and oftimes challenging weather and lighting conditions, the ideal system and device would be one, in this applicant's opinion, that is effective, efficient, durable, practical, easy and safe to use, as well as reliable and affordable. To be effective, the sign must display messages from a prominent location either inside or outside of an automobile, and the message must be of sufficient size and format characteristics so as to render it easily visible and readable at distances typically encountered on roadways at night or day. To be efficient, the sign must allow the display of a wide variety and choice of messages, and yet be compact enough to fit most automobile passenger windows without over encumbering passenger space and comfort. To be durable, the device must be constucted of materials that can withstand a wide range of temperature and weather without compromise to its condition, operation and effectiveness. To be practical and easy to use, it must be lightweight, simple in design, with minimal components, and be easily and quickly attachable to and removable from an automobile window (whether flat, concave or convex) without damaging the surface, in addition to offering simple, easy and quick interchangeability of messages. To be safe, it must not interfere with the driver's view, as required by law, during his/her operation of the vehicle. To be reliable, it must be well designed and made of quality, long lasting materials. To be affordable, it must have a retail price of no more than the average cost to fill up a car's tank with gasoline.
It will be demonstrated in this application that the invention satisfies each of the above referenced requirements of the ideal device for visual communication between drivers and passengers of automobiles and pedestrians. Moreover, it will be shown that this invention represents significant improvements and advantages over, and exceeds the capabilities of, all prior related inventions of record.
2. Description of the Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98
Historically, operators of motor vehicles have relied on bumper and window stickers, in addition to individual placard type signs to communicate or advertise a thought, warning or other message to people outside of an automobile. A search of prior inventions did not identify any related devices that match all of the features, advantages and benefits of the invention. When compared to the ideal such device, of which the current invention is an example, all prior inventions to date suffer from significant disadvantages and shortcomings, as discussed below. U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,140 to Nuspl (1995) discloses a two-sided suction cup mounted sign for changeably displaying, via a scrolling device, identical indicia such as letters, or numbers on each side of the sign for the purpose of advertising the price of store goods and products. It was not intended for use in motor vehicle windows and is limited to the interchangeable display of three numeric characters only. U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,177 to Sy, Jr. (1992) discloses a portable and reversible lightweight sticker display apparatus for the purpose of displaying a variety of bumper stickers without adhering them directly to a surface and thereby eliminating damage to the surface and/or leaving adhesive residue. The use of this device is limited to the display of bumper stickers, the printed messages of which are quite small and are readable only at dangerously close proximity between vehicles. U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,380 to Chestnutt (1991) discloses a distress signal device for attachment to the outside of the side window of a motor vehicle for the purpose of signaling for help to passersby. It is limited to attachmnent to a side window, and it only affords a general distress communication limited to a color or a word, since it does not have the size capacity for more information or details regarding the nature of the call.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,315 to Romaine (1990) discloses a display device for automobiles and other vehicles for the display of messages for purposes of advertising, promotion, education or amusement. It is intended for placement in only the rear window of a motor vehicle, it is limited in its message capacity to one alternating line of characters, and the display of the entire two-stage message is dependant upon the movement of the vehicle to which the device is attached It doesn't work if the vehicle is standing still.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,143,608 to Morris (1939) discloses a frame designed for the purpose of holding a transparent panel via vacuum cups close to glass windshields and the like in order to eliminate frosting of the windshield in freezing weather conditions. It was not designed as a sign system, nor does it afford the displaying of messages.
U.S. Pat. No. 874,998 to Schumacher (1907) discloses a hanging reversible box type sign for automobiles for the purpose of displaying motor vehicle registration numbers and the abbreviation of the applicable state. It was not designed for, nor is it capable of being attached to motor vehicle windows. It must be hung from a hook or other attachment on or within a vehicle. In a size sufficient to afford the d
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