Automotive window novelty figure

#Not applicable.

#The present invention relates to vehicle-mounted novelty items.

#Automobile drivers view their cars as an extension of themselves. For some, the choice of vehicle itself is an expression of personality. Others choose to display items on their vehicles that depict or represent some part of their personality. Particularly subtle vehicle design cues, or overall similarities in popular vehicle designs may contribute to the desire of a vehicle owner to individualize the appearance of an automobile. Vehicle-mounted displays allow drivers to make a statement about their interests and likes by personalizing their cars in an easily reversible fashion.

#FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of one embodiment of the vehicle-mounted novelty item of this invention, shown in relation to a vehicle window.

#FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the novelty item of FIG. 1, shown mounted to the rear passenger side window of an automobile.

#FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the novelty item and window of FIG. 2, taken along line 3.

#Referring more particularly to FIGS. 1-4, wherein like numbers refer to similar parts, a vehicle-mounted novelty item or figure display device 20 is shown in relation to a conventional automobile 21 in FIGS. 1-3. The device 20 has two principal components: a multi-layered case element 30, upon which the details of the figure are formed, and a flexible but generally stiffer plastic support 22 which has structure for attachment to the automobile 21. The support is preferably formed of a transparent plastic material, for example, ⅛ thick acrylic. Because the support 22 is essentially a plate, with minimal relief, it is advantageously cut to present a recognizable silhouette of the figure to be simulated. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the support 22 may be cut, such as by routing, to present the image of a forward looking dog with its paws extending over the edge of a partially opened vehicle rear window. The support 22 presents the outline or general form of the simulated figure, while the case element 30 provides the color, texture, and markings that distinguish the figure. The support 22 is preferably formed to have a slight curvature about a horizontal axis, as indicated in FIG. 2. To manufacture the support, a planar sheet of plastic material may be first cut to the desired silhouette, and then the desired curvature imposed on the cut element, such as by heating and bending. This curvature helps to retain the support engaged against an automobile window when attached. In addition, the resilience of the plastic material from which the support is formed allows the curvature to adjust somewhat to different window curvatures.

#The multi-layered element 30 is made from a flexible material, such as woven or non-woven fabric, vinyl, or other printable sheet material. The case element 30 has a front panel 32 which is fastened to a back panel 34 to define a pocket 35 which receives the plastic support 22. A desired figure simulative image 38, such as a dog's profile, is applied to the front panel 32. The image 38 may be applied through screen process printing, embroidery, applique, or other printing process.

#In addition, one or more loose flaps of material 36 are attached to the front panel 32. The flaps 36 are connected along seams 37 which define hinges about which the flaps are able to move. The rear window of an automobile extends generally parallel to the flow of air past the vehicle when the vehicle is in motion. When the case element 30 is affixed to the support 22, and the support is mounted to the window 24 of an automobile 21, the flaps 36 move in the wind as the vehicle travels, the airflow acting on the planar flaps of material 36 causes them to repeatedly lift and drop. Attached at various positions along the front panel 32, the flaps 36 may also be printed or decorated to present the appearance of movable portions of the simulated figure. The flaps will generally be simulative of natural appendages of a depicted or simulated animal. For example, one flap 36 defines a dog's ear 40, and another the protruding tongue 42 of a dog. The simulated ear 40 may have two seams, an upper seam 37 along the top of the ear, as shown in FIG. 2, and a front seam 41 along the front of the simulated ear flap. By adjusting the length and positioning of the seams, the degree of movement of the flap may be adjusted. In addition, a simulated dog's collar 44 may be sewn at two ends, to permit the collar to move somewhat in the wind. This positioning of the device 20 in the flow of air passing along the automobile when the automobile is moving causes the figure display device to move in a way which simulates the action of wind on a dog leaning out an open automobile window.