09/680, 373.

Technical Field The present invention relates generally to a display apparatus and, more specifically, to an illuminated display apparatus for attaching to a vehicle.

Background Art The increased popularity of trucks, sport utility vehicles and other recreational vehicles has resulted in a dramatic increase in the use of trailers.

Vehicle-pulled trailers are utilized to haul a wide variety of items including boats, lawn maintenance equipment, campers, motorcycles, cargo trailers, etc. Many vehicles are factory-equipped with a trailer hitch and an associated wiring connector to control the lights on the trailer, while other trailer hitches are installed by after- market suppliers.

When the trailer hitch is not being used with a trailer, the hitch is exposed to the weather thereby often resulting in premature rust and damage.

Consequently, ornamental covers for trailer hitches have been devised to not only protect the trailer hitch from weather and physical damage, but also to improve its appearance. Other ornamental covers combine protection and the ability to advertise a message from the owner of the vehicle. These designs either do not provide any illumination for the selected message or require extensive additional lights and brake panels in order to advertise the selected message.

Examples of such designs may be found by reference to U. S. Patent No. 5,603,178 to Morrison. Although the trailer hitch provides protection from weather exposure and expresses a desired message, the message cannot be seen at night or whenever adequate lighting is not provided. At the other extreme, U. S.

Patent No. 5,979,094 to Brafford discloses a lighted sign for a trailer hitch but requires additional brake panels and brake lights to accompany the message on the sign. Moreover, the Bradford patent does not provide a suitable means for removably securing the display panel to the frame.

It is readily apparent that a new and improved illuminated display apparatus is needed that does not require additional brake panels and brake lights to adequately view the display panel, and that provides a simple and easy mans for removably attaching display panels. It is, therefore, to the provision of such an improvement that the present invention is directed.

Brief Summary of the Invention Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages by providing a display apparatus having readily attachable/detachable display panels. Generally, the present invention, in the preferred embodiment, comprises a housing, a display panel and a connecting assembly. More specifically, the housing generally carries a left turn signal, a right turn signal, a left taillight, a right taillight, a brake light, a protective cover and the display panel, wherein the turn signals, the taillights and the brake light are electrically connected to the wiring of the vehicle to allow another rearwardly traveling vehicle to observe through the trailer hitch display apparatus any traffic signals or taillights.

The connecting assembly comprises a trailer hitch attaching member dimensioned to be received within the receiving trailer hitch member of the vehicle.

A plurality of throughholes is provided in the trailer hitch attaching member for inserting a retention pin to secure the two members together.

The display panel comprises preferably two lower tabs and one upper tab that are shaped and dimensioned to be received within slits formed on an upper wing and a lower wing, wherein the wings are attached to the housing. As such, the display panel can be easily removed and/or replaced.

In an alternative embodiment, the display panel may be connected to the housing by fasteners that extend through the display panel and protective cover and into the housing. Alternatively, a hook and loop material may be mounted between the protective cover to removably connect the display panel to the housing.

In yet another embodiment, the display panel may have a circumferential edge that coooperatively engages a recessed groove in an outer edge of the housing to secure the display panel to the housing.

In yet another embodiment, the housing may be attached directly to the vehicle wherein the housing takes the form of a vehicle louver. The housing may be fastened to the vehicle by fasteners or an adhesive.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout several views and wherein: Fig. 1 is a partially exploded front perspective view of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a partially exploded front perspective view of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view of the housing of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment, separated from the trailer hitch shell.

Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment, showing the wiring attached.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4, but with the wiring separated from the trailer hitch shell.

Fig. 6 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a rear perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view in the direction of arrows 8-8 in Fig. 7 of the alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is an exploded view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. 12 is an exploded view of yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is an exploded view of even another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 13.

Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments In describing the preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in the Figures, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity.

The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

With regard to all such embodiments as may be herein described and contemplated, it will be appreciated that optional features, including, but not limited to, aesthetically pleasing coloration and surface design, and labeling and brand marking, may be provided in association with the present invention, all without departing from the scope of the invention.

Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2, trailer hitch display apparatus 10 generally comprises housing 20, display panel 100 and connecting assembly 140.

More specifically, housing 20 is preferably a rectangular-shaped enclosure defined by first wall 22, second wall 23, third wall 24, fourth wall 25, and rear wall 26. The front edge of walls 22,23,24,25 define a generally rectangular-shaped front recessed area 28a having front lip 29a, wherein front recessed area 28a and front lip 29a are dimensioned for receiving protective translucent panel 70, as more fully described below. The rear edge of walls 22,23,24,25 define a generally rectangular-shaped rear recessed area 28b having rear lip 29b, wherein rear recessed area 28b and rear lip 29b are dimensioned for receiving rear vertical surface 26, as more fully described below.

First slot 30 and second slot 31 are formed in vertical alignment in first wall 22 and third wall 24, respectively, proximal to fourth wall 25 and are dimensioned for receiving first vertical support member 34. Third slot 32 and forth slot 33 are formed in vertical alignment in first wall 22 and third wall 24, respectively, proximal to second wall 23 and are dimensioned for receiving second vertical support member 36. Protective translucent panel 70 is received within front recessed are 28a, wherein back surface 74 rests upon first vertical support member 34 and second vertical support member 36. Front surface 72 of protective translucent panel 70 is preferably flush with front lip 29a. Protective translucent panel 70 is preferably formed of a red translucent plastic to indicate to rearwardly traveling vehicles that the vehicle is stopping when the brakes are applied.

However, depending on the application, any one or a combination of colored translucent material may be utilized.

As shown in Figs. 2-3, upper bracket 60 is attached generally to or formed on external surface 22a of first wall 22 of housing 20, wherein upper bracket 60 extends generally perpendicular from first wall 22. Formed proximal to the center of upper bracket 60 is upper bracket aperture 62. Bracket vertical supports 63,64, 65, and 66 are preferably attached to rear surface 60b of upper bracket 60 to provide support to upper bracket 60 and thus display panel 100.

Lower bracket 67 is attached to or formed on external surface 24a of third wall 24 of housing 20, wherein lower bracket 67 extends generally perpendicular from third wall 24. Formed through lower bracket 67 proximal to distal ends 67c and 67d are lower bracket apertures 68a and 68b, respectively.

Display panel 100 displays a printed message (s), such as shown, for exemplary purposes only, in Fig. 1. Display panel 100 generally comprises tab 110, first bottom clip 118 and second bottom clip 120. More specifically, display panel 100 is formed having front surface 102, rear surface 104, top edge 106, and bottom edge 108. Tab 110 preferably comprises rotational leg 112 and fixed leg 114, wherein fixed leg 114 is attached to top edge 106 of display panel 100, and wherein rotational leg 112 is shaped and dimensioned to be received in upper bracket aperture 62. First bottom clip 118 and second bottom clip 120 are attached to bottom edge 108 preferably equidistant from the center of display panel 100. Lower bracket apertures 68a and 68b are dimensioned for receiving first bottom clip 118 and second bottom clip 120, respectively. Rear surface 104 of display panel 100 rests against front surface 72 of protective translucent panel 70.

Now referring more specifically to Fig. 3, rear wall 26 of housing 20 is generally rectangular shaped and comprises first side edge 26a, second side edge 26b, top edge 26c and bottom edge 26d. Rear wall 26 is attached within rear recessed area 28b of housing 20, preferably by threaded screws, adhesives or any other known means within the art. Rear wall 26 contains a plurality of lightbulb apertures 42,44,46,48. Left turn signal lightbulb aperture 44 and right turn signal lightbulb aperture 42 are formed proximal to first side edge 26a and second side edge 26b, respectively, and preferably vertically centered thereat. First mounting bracket apertures 54a and 54b are formed through rear wall 26 proximal to left taillight bulb aperture 46, and second mounting bracket apertures 56a and 56b are formed through rear wall 26 proximal to right taillight bulb aperture 48 for receiving bolts to secure mounting bracket 180 of trailer hitch connecting assembly 140.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, bulbs 84,85,86, and 87 are held by socket 84a, 85a, 86a and 87a, respectively. Left turn signal lightbulb aperture 44 and right turn signal lightbulb aperture 42 are dimensioned to frictionally receiving left turn signal light bulb socket 84a and right turn signal bulb socket 85a, respectively. Left tail signal lightbulb aperture 46 and right tail signal lightbulb aperture 48 are dimensioned to frictionally receive left tail signal lightbulb socket 86a and right tail signal lightbulb socket 87a, respectively. A plurality of flexible friction clips 200 are formed around the perimeter of each socket 84a, 85a, 87a to allow each socket to be snap-fit within the respective apertures. Brake light assembly 88a is attached to internal surface 22b of the first wall 22 of light housing 20. Turn signal lightbulb 84 and 85, tail signal lightbulb 86 and 87, and brake lightbulb 88 are preferably standard tail lightbulb of the type commonly available or of types known in the art.

Turn signal lightbulb 84 and 85, tail signal lightbulb 86 and 87, and brake lightbulb 88 are preferably electrically connected to electrical connector 80. Electrical connector 80 is connected to the trailer hitch wiring connector 82 which is typically found on vehicles equipped with a trailer hitch.

Trailer hitch connecting assembly 140 generally comprises shell 150, vertical mounting member 160, cushion means 170 and mounting bracket 180.

More specifically, mounting bracket 180 is a generally U-shaped member having left wing 182, right wing 186, center portion 190 and mounting slot 194. Mounting slot 194 is preferably positioned along the centerline of center portion 190 and is generally rectangular-shaped and dimensioned for receiving vertical mounting member 160, as more fully described below. A plurality of throughholes 165 are formed on center portion 190, on both sides of mounting slot 194, and aligned with throughholes formed in vertical mounting member 160.

To allow left tail lightbulb 86 and right tail lightbulb 87 to extend therethrough, left tail lightbulb aperture 198a is formed through left wing 182, and right tail lightbulb aperture 198b is formed through right wing 186, respectively. Left tail lightbulb aperture 198a and right tail lightbulb aperture 198b are preferably positioned such that left taillight bulb aperture 46 and right tail lightbulb aperture 48 are aligned when mounting bracket 180 is attached to rear surface 26 of housing 20.

Shell 150 is preferably an elongated rectangular cross-sectional shaped member defined by first wall 151, second wall 152, third wall 153, fourth wall 154, first end 155 and second end 156. First locking pin aperture 158a, third locking pin aperture 158b, fifth locking pin aperture 158c and seventh locking pin aperture 158d are formed through first wall 151. Second locking pin aperture 159a, fourth locking pin aperture 159b, sixth locking pin aperture 159c and eighth locking pin aperture 159d are formed through third wall 153. First locking pin aperture 158a and second locking pin aperture 159a are preferably positioned directly across from and aligned with each other. Third locking pin aperture 158b and fourth locking pin aperture 159b are preferably positioned directly across from and aligned with each other. Fifth locking pin aperture 158c and sixth locking pin aperture 159c are preferably positioned directly across from and aligned with each other. Seventh locking pin aperture 158d and eight locking pin aperture 159d are preferably positioned directly across from and aligned with each other. First end 155 is inserted into the receiving trailer hitch and hitch pins (not shown) are inserted into selected locking pin apertures to achieve a secure connection between the trailer hitch and trailer hitch lighted sign apparatus 10.

Second end 156 is attached to vertical mounting member 160 preferably by welding or any known means within the art. Vertical mounting member 160 has front surface 161, rear surface 162, first edge 163a, second edge 163b, third edge 163c and fourth edge 163d. Rear surface 162 of vertical mounting member 160 is dimensioned to fit flush to front surface 191 of mounting bracket 180.

Vertical adjustment apertures 164a and 164b are vertically aligned proximal to first edge 163a of vertical mounting member 160. Vertical adjustment apertures 165a and 165b are vertically aligned proximal to third edge 163c of vertical mounting member 160.

In use, turn signal lightbulb 84 and 85 are snap-fitted into turn signal lightbulb apertures 42 and 44, respectively. Tail lightbulb 86 and 87 are inserted into taillight bulb apertures 46 and 48, respectively. Brake lightbulb 88 is attached to internal surface 22b of first wall 22. Protective translucent panel 70 is attached with hook and loop fastener or by other known means to front recessed area 28a.

Display panel 100 is attached to housing 20 by inserting bottom clips 118 and 120 into lower bracket apertures 68a and 68b, respectively. Rotational leg 112 of tab 110 is inserted into upper bracket aperture 62. Display panel 100 is placed flush onto protective translucent panel 70.

First end 155 of shell 150 is inserted into the vehicle trailer hitch receiving member and hitch pins are inserted into selected locking pin apertures to achieve a secure connection between the trailer hitch and trailer hitch lighted sign apparatus 10.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a housing 300 provides an elliptical structure having an outer perimeter 302 and a rear wall 304, as seen in Figs. 6 and 7. An enclosed chamber 306 is formed in a central portion of the housing 300 wherein an inner wall 308 of the housing forms an oval shape. A portion of the rear wall 304 forms the back wall of the chamber 306, and a protective cover 310 forms the front wall of the chamber 306. A pair of similar, smaller chambers 312 are also provided on each end of the housing 300. The protective cover 310 may be fabricated from a translucent lens, preferably a red translucent lens. A display panel 314 having indicia formed thereon overlies the protective cover 310. The display panel 314 is also a translucent lens wherein tape or paint is utilized to form words or objects on the display panel.

To illuminate the translucent lens 310 and the display panel 314, an illuminating means is mounted within each of the chambers 306,312. The illuminating means provides iridescent light bulbs 316 which are mounted within the chambers 306,312 by having sockets 318 of the light bulbs 316 fasten to the rear wall 304 of the housing 300 by threaded fasteners or nails. The light bulbs 316 in the central chamber 306 act as a brake light or tail lamp, and the light bulbs in the outer chambers 312 act as turning signals. Electrical wires 320 lead from the sockets 318 of the light bulbs 316 to a common outlet 319 in the rear wall 304 of the housing 300. The wires 320 are connected to an electrical connector 322 which is connectable to a trailer hitch wiring connector 82, as shown in the preferred embodiment.

In order to removably connect the display panel 14 to the housing 300, a removable connecting means provides a recessed groove 324 provided in the outer edge of the housing 300, as seen in Fig. 8. The recessed groove 324 cooperatively engages the edges of the display panel 314, as well as the translucent lens 310 so that the display panel 314 and the translucent lens 310, are secured within the housing 300. The display panel 314 is fabricated from a flexible material, such as Plexiglass, so that the display panel 314 may flex and bend in order to engage the groove 324.

To connect the housing 300 to a vehicle, an attaching means provides a trailer hitch connector 326, as shown in Fig. 7. The trailer hitch connector 326 is a beam-like structure having a pair of flanges 327 at one of its ends to fasten to the rear wall 304 of the housing 300 by fasteners 329. The trailer hitch connector 326 is connectable to a trailer hitch assembly (not shown) of a vehicle (not shown).

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a housing 328 provides a substantially rectangular box-like structure, as seen in Figs 9-11. An enclosed chamber 330 is provided within the housing 328 and is defined by an outer perimeter 332 of the housing 328, a rear wall 334, and a protective cover or translucent lens 336, wherein the translucent lens 336 is preferably tinted red. A display panel 338 having indicia 339 formed thereon overlies the protective cover 336. The display panel 338 is also a translucent lens, as described in the alternative embodiment.

In order to illuminate the translucent lens 336 and the display panel 338, an illuminating means is provided within the enclosed chamber 330 of the housing 328. The illuminating means provides a plurality of iridescent light bulbs 340 mounted within the chamber 330 on an aluminum mounting panel 342 provided within the chamber 330. Sockets 344 for the iridescent light bulbs 340 are mounted on integral clips (not shown) provided on the mounting panel 342. Electrical wires 343 lead from the sockets 344 to a common outlet 346 provided in the rear wall 334 of the housing 328. The electrical wires 343 lead to an electrical connector 348 which is connectable to a trailer hitch wiring connector 82 shown in the preferred embodiment. Dividers 350 are also provided in the chamber to divide the chamber 330 into a brake light or tail lamp portion 351 and turn signal portions 353 wherein the turn signal portions 353 are provided on the ends of the housing 328.

To removably connect the display panel 338 to the housing 328, a removable connecting means provide a plurality of threaded fasteners 352 that extend through apertures 353 provided in the display panel 338 and the translucent lens 336 and into bosses 355 provided in the housing 328. The bosses 355 provide threaded apertures 356 for receiving the fasteners 352. The display panel 338 overlaps the central portion for the break light or tail lamp portion 351 of the translucent lens 336, and the ends or turn signal portions 353 of the translucent lens 336 remain uncovered by the display panel 338.

The housing 328 is attached to a vehicle by an attaching means providing, a trailer hitch connecting assembly 358 similar to that shown in the alternative embodiment, as seen in Fig. 11. The trailer hitch connector 358 has a hollow beam 360 with an integral flange 362 extending therefrom 352. The flange 362 is connected to the rear wall 334 of the housing 328 by a plurality of fasteners 364. The trailer hitch connector 358 is connectable to a trailer hitch on a vehicle.

In another embodiment, a housing 366 provides a structure similar to that of a vehicle spoiler, as seen in Fig. 12. The housing 366 provides a centrally located enclosed chamber 368 which is formed by an enlarged recess 370 provided in the housing 366. A protective cover or translucent lens 372 preferably covers the opening to the recess 370. A display panel 374, similar to those described in the previous embodiments, overlies the translucent lens 312. Two smaller chambers 376 are provided at the ends of the housing 366. The small chambers 376 are essentially created the same way as the central chamber 368.

The translucent lens 372 and the display panel 374 are illuminated by an illuminating means providing a row of LED lights 378 mounted on a strip of plastic and fastened to the rear of the chamber 368. An iridescent bulb 379 and corresponding sockets are mounted in each of the small chambers 376. The lights 378 in the central chamber 368 are the brake or tail lights, and the smaller chamber l lights 379 are the turn signal lights. Electrical wires 380 lead from the back of the LED lights and the socket of the iridescent bulbs 379 and are fed through the inside of the housing 366 and through one of two mounting legs 380 of the housing 366.

The electrical wires 380 lead to an electrical connector 382 which is connectable to a trailer hitch wiring connector 82, as shown in the preferred embodiment.

In order to removably connect the display panel 374 to the housing 366, a hook and loop fastening material 384 is connected to opposing sides of the translucent lens 372 and the display panel 374. The translucent lens 372 is fastened to the housing 366 by threaded fasteners that thread directly into the housing 366.

To attach the housing 366 to the vehicle, an attachment means provide fasteners 385 which extend through a body or panel 387 of a vehicle into the mounting legs 380 of the housing 366. Alternatively, the mounting legs 380 may be adhesively connected to the body or panel 387 of a vehicle.

In even yet another embodiment, a housing 386 provides a pipe-like enclosure wherein a chamber 388 is centrally located in the housing 386, as shown in Figs. 13-14. The chamber 388 is defined by the rear portion of the pipe-like structure and a protective cover or translucent lens 370, preferably a red translucent lens which, acts as a front wall to form the chamber 388. A display panel 392 similar to those described in previous embodiments, overlies the protective cover 390.

The translucent lens 390 and the display panel 392 are illuminated by a plurality of iridescent bulbs 394 mounted within the chamber 388 of the housing 386. Electrical wires 396 lead from the bulbs 394 and exit a common outlet 398 provided in the rear of the housing 386. The electrical wires 396 lead to an electrical connector 400 which is connectable with a trailer hitch wire connector 82, as shown in the preferred embodiment.

In order to removably connect the display panel 392 to the housing 386, a hook and loop material 402 is connected to opposing sides of the display panel 392 and the protective cover 390. The protective cover 390 is also connected to the housing 386 using the hook and loop material 402.

To attach the housing 386 to the vehicle, an attachment means provides a trailer hitch connector 404 that is similar to that provided in the other embodiments. The trailer hitch connector 404 is a beam-like structure that is welded to the rear of the housing 386. The trailer hitch connector 404 is connected to a trailer hitch provided on a vehicle. A substantially flat, plate-like structure 406 is welded to the top of the housing 386 and may be used as a step for an operator or passenger of a vehicle.

In use, the display apparatus 10 is first connected to the vehicle by the method proscribed in each embodiment. Once the display apparatus 10 is connected to the vehicle, the display panels 14,38,74,92 may be connected, removed, and/or replaced by any of the methods proscribed in each of the embodiments.

Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.

Accordingly, I claim :