License plate bracket with electrical attachment
US6179103A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 23, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jan 30, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 23, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R13/4534
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A new and improved apparatus for connecting electrical extension cords and trailer electrical connectors to a fixed point on a vehicle. The apparatus consists of a bracket which is secured onto a vehicle bumper through tabs aligned over vehicle license plate attachment holes. A vehicle electrical connector lead wire is routed through a notch in the bracket wherein it resides in a wire channel molded to the rear bracket. The notch on a vehicle electrical connector or a vehicle electrical trailer connector allows permanent fixation of either within an electrical connector housing molded to the front of the bracket. A connector cover is attached to the device housing to help prevent accidental shock and to protect the electrical connector from exposure and damage when the vehicle electrical attachment is not in use. The cover is easily moved during use through a compression spring and remains attached to the device housing preventing loss or damage. The preferred method of utilizing the apparatus allows the user to single-handedly connect or disconnect an external electrical attachment to the permanently fixated electrical attachment point upon the vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.