DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure broadly relates to apparatus used in vehicle. Particularly but not exclusively, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus to secure the registration plate or number plate mounting apparatus for a vehicle

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
With the development of society, people’s consumption level has gradually increased, increasing the number of vehicles. The number plate is one of the most valuable parts of the vehicle. The screws of the number plate can easily be removed and hence are stolen to clone the identity of the vehicle. Criminals clone their cars with others number plates to avoid prosecution for offences such as Petrol drive offs, Speeding tickets, Parking fines, Congestion charges etc. Hence, there exists a need for providing an anti-theft mechanism for the security of number plate.

Fig.1 illustrates an existing mechanism for preventing theft of number plate. In the existing mechanism, uncommon head screws are used which cannot be removed by simple tools (like screw drivers).To remove the screws, a unique tool which is supplied with the kit has to be used. If the unique tool is lost, the user has to order for the new tool. Therefore, this method is not cost effective for the user.

In view of limitations of prior arts, there exists a need for anti-theft mechanism for the security of a number plate.

OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCLOSURE
One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a cost-effective anti-theft mechanism for the security of the number plate which can be fit in all the vehicles.

Another objective of the present disclosure is to eliminate the use of unique screw for each vehicle.

Another objective of the present disclosure is to mount the number plate such that there is no access from outside the vehicle to hold the screw grommet and hence it is not possible to remove the number plate without removing bumper from the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the disclosure.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for securing a number plate of a vehicle. The apparatus comprising a bumper configured with one or more slots and at least one stopper configured proximal to each of the one or more slots; a grommet configured with at least one flange tangentially, wherein the grommet is rotatably connected inside the slots of the bumper such that the at least one stopper comes in contact with the at least one or more slots for fastening the number plate with the bumper when the grommet is rotated in a first direction; a fastener configured to hold the number plate onto the bumper through the grommet.

In one embodiment, the fastener is passed through the number plate and threads into the grommet when the fastener is rotated in a first direction and at least one flange of the grommet mates with the at least one stopper restricting further rotation of the fastener to apply torque for fastening the number plate into the bumper.

In one embodiment, when the fastener is rotated in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction for unfastening the number plate, the flange slides over onto the stopper and freely rotates in the second direction preventing unfastening of the screw grommet and to secure the number plate in the bumper of the vehicle.

In one embodiment, the bumper is configured with at least one rib for preventing access to the screw grommet from bottom of the bumper.

In one embodiment, the flange is configured with a tapered surface and is tangential to the grommet.

In one embodiment, a groove is configured in the grommet at the connecting portion of the flange to provide a flexibility during sliding onto the at least one stopper.

In one embodiment, the one or more slots are configured into two adjoining slots, of varying diameters each.
In one embodiment, the grommet is configured with a circular groove which meshes with the slot having smaller diameter for joining the grommet with the bumper.

In one embodiment, the grommet is configured with a nut at top surface of the grommet.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method of assembly the apparatus for securing a number plate of a vehicle. The method comprising acts of providing a bumper configured with one or more slots and at least one stopper configured proximal to each of the one or more slots; providing a grommet configured with at least one flange tangentially, wherein the grommet is rotatably connected inside the slots of the bumper; providing a fastener configured to hold the number plate onto the bumper through the grommet, wherein the fastener is passed through the number plate and threads into the grommet when the fastener is rotated in a first direction and at least one flange of the grommet mates with the at least one stopper restricting further rotation of the fastener to apply torque for fastening the number plate into the bumper and wherein when the fastener is rotated in a second direction for unfastening the number plate, the flange slides over onto the stopper and freely rotates in the second direction preventing unfastening of the screw grommet and to secure the number plate in the bumper of the vehicle.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Fig. 1 shows an existing mechanism for preventing theft of number plate according to the prior art.
Figs. 2a to 2e show various views of a grommet used in the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 3 shows a front view of mounting area of the number plate with bumper in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 4 shows an isometric view of the Fig. 3 accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 5 shows a magnified isometric view of mounting area of number plate with bumper in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 5a shows a front view of the Fig. 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 6 shows a rear isometric view of the bumper assembled with the grommet and a rib according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 7 shows exploded view of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 8 shows an assembled view of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figs. 9 and 10 shows an isometric view and a front view of the apparatus for fastening the number plate to the bumper of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 11 shows sectional view of the apparatus in axis A-A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 12 shows sectional view of the apparatus in axis B-B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 13 shows a front view of the apparatus when the user tries to unfasten the number plate to the bumper of the vehicle during which the flange of the grommet slides over the tapered stopper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 14 shows a sectional view of the fig. 13 taken in axis C-C according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 15 shows a perspective view of the grommet overriding onto the stopper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

It is to be noted at this point that all of the above described components, whether alone or in any combination, are claimed as being essential to the disclosure, in particular the details depicted in the drawings and reference numerals in the drawings are as given below.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for the security of the number plate is provided. The apparatus includes a bumper of a vehicle, a number plate, grommet and fasteners or screws. The grommet is affixed to the bumper by sliding to the slot provided in the bumper number plate area. The grommet will not come out due to interference between the grommet and the bumper slot. The grommet has a flexible flange with taper for flexing flange during demounting of the screw. The bumper has a tapered projection and it will act as a stopper feature. The number plate is mounted such that screw will rotate clockwise direction during tightening and stopper feature in the bumper will restrict the rotation of screw grommet by flange provided on the screw grommet thereby applying the required tightening torque. When the number plate has to be removed, the screw is loosened and the grommet will rotate in anticlockwise direction as the grommet flange will slides on stopper feature and get flex due to the groove when it slides over the tapered surface. Screw demounting torque cannot be applied as there is no restriction force to eliminate the rotation of the grommet. The grommet will rotate with screw while trying to demount screw. To remove the screw, the nut has to be hold tightly behind the bumper. This can be done only when the bumper is removed from the car or vehicle since there is no hand access inside the bumper.

REFERRAL NUMERALS

Description Referral Numeral
Apparatus 10
Bumper 11
One or more slots 12
Slot having diameter ‘D’ 12a
Slot having diameter d 12b
Stopper 14
Grommet 15
Circular groove in the grommet 15a
Nut in the grommet 15b
Groove 15c
Flange 16
Fastener 17
Rib 18
Number Plate 20

Figs. 2a to 2e illustrates various views of a grommet (15) used in the apparatus (10) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The grommet (15) is configured with a flange (16) tangentially and a groove (15c) at the connecting portion between the grommet and the flange (16) such that the flange (16) is made flexible in nature when the flange (16) slides over stopper (14) provided in the bumper (11). Further, the flange (16) is configured in a tapered manner. The flexibility and the tapered surface of the flange (16) allow smooth sliding of the flange (16) over the stopper (14) (shown in Fig. 5). The grommet (15) has hexagon head or a nut (15b) for holding of the grommet (15) while removing the number plate (20). The grommet (15) is further configured with a circular groove (15a) which connects with a slot (12b) configured in the bumper (11) (shown in Figs. 6 and 9).

Figs. 3 to 6 illustrates a front view and perspective views of mounting area of the number plate (20) with the bumper (11) of a vehicle (not shown) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The bumper (11) is configured with one or more slots (12) for accommodating the grommet (15) and a stopper (14) having a projection with tapered feature to restrict the rotation of the grommet (15) during tightening of fastener (17) (as shown in Fig. 9). The stopper (14) is provided proximal to the slots (12), such that after mounting of the grommet (15) into the slot (12), the stopper (14) lies on the rotational path of the flange (16) of the grommet (15) when the grommet (15) is rotated. The one or more slots (12) are configured into two adjoining slots (12a, 12b), of varying diameters (D1, D2) each. In one embodiment, the diameter (D1) of the slot (12a) is more than diameter (D2) of the slot (12b) as shown in Fig. 5a.

In an embodiment, as an extra precaution of a ribbing feature or rib (18) (as shown in fig. 6) is provided in the bumper (11) below the number plate (20) which prevents to hold the grommet (15) from the vehicle bottom in case of hand access. In case of front bumper, there is no hand access for holding the nut in assembled condition since the front bumper bottom gap is covered by splash guard in all latest vehicles. In case of rear bumper, the rear bumper can be extended up to tailgate sill outer panel so that there is no hand access from the bottom side.

In one embodiment, the bumper (11) is configured into a mounting area (A) which is provided with a predetermined depth which corresponds to total thickness required to mounting the grommet (15).

Fig. 7 shows exploded view of the apparatus (20) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus (10) for securing a number plate (20) of a vehicle comprises a bumper (11) configured with one or more slots (12) and at least one stopper (14) configured proximal to each of the one or more slots (12). The grommet (15) is provided in between the number plate and the bumper (11) for connecting the number plate (20) with the bumper (11) of the vehicle. The grommet (15) is configured with at least one flange (16) tangentially, wherein the grommet (15) is rotatably connected inside the slots (12) of the bumper (11) such that the at least one stopper (14) comes in contact with the at least one or more slots (12) for fastening the number plate with the bumper (11) when the grommet (15) is rotated in a first direction (R1). Further the apparatus (10) is provided with a fastener (17) which is configured to hold the number plate (20) onto the bumper (11) through the grommet (15). In one embodiment, the fastener (17) is but not limited to a screw.

Fig. 8 shows an assembled view of the apparatus (10) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of assembly the apparatus (10) for securing a number plate (20) of a vehicle is provided the method comprising acts of firstly, providing a bumper (11) configured with one or more slots (12) and at least one stopper (14) configured proximal to each of the one or more slots (12); secondly providing a grommet (15) configured with at least one flange (16) tangentially, wherein the grommet (15) is rotatably connected inside the slots (12) of the bumper (11); thirdly providing a fastener (17) configured to hold the number plate (20) onto the bumper (11) through the grommet (15), wherein the fastener (17) is passed through the number plate (20) and threads into the grommet (15) when the fastener (17) is rotated in a first direction (R1) and at least one flange (16) of the grommet (15) mates with the at least one stopper (14) restricting further rotation of the fastener (17) to apply torque for fastening the number plate (20) into the bumper (11) and wherein when the fastener (17) is rotated in a second direction (R2) for unfastening the number plate (20), the flange (16) slides over onto the stopper (14) and freely rotates in the second direction (R2) preventing unfastening of the screw grommet (15) and to secure the number plate (20) in the bumper (11) of the vehicle.

Figs. 9 and 10 illustrates an isometric view and a front view of the apparatus for fastening the number plate to the bumper of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the fastener (17) is passed through the number plate (20) and threads into the grommet (15) when the fastener (17) is rotated in a first direction (R1) or clockwise direction and at least one flange (16) of the grommet (15) mates with the at least one stopper (14) restricting further rotation of the fastener (17) to apply torque for fastening the number plate (20) into the bumper (11). The mounting of the number plate (2) can be easily integrated in the plastic bumpers and thus avoiding need for special antitheft kits by end users of the vehicle. Fig. 11 illustrates shows a sectional view of the apparatus in axis A-A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 illustrates a sectional view of the apparatus in axis B-B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 13 illustrates a front view of the apparatus when the user tries to unfasten the number plate to the bumper of the vehicle during which the flange of the grommet slides over the tapered stopper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, when the fastener (17) is rotated in a second direction (R2) or anticlockwise direction (as shown in Fig. 15) which is opposite to the first direction (R1) for unfastening the number plate (20), the flange (16) slides over onto the stopper (14) and freely rotates in the second direction (R2) preventing unfastening of the screw grommet (15) and to secure the number plate (20) in the bumper (11) of the vehicle, i.e. the screw (17) demounting torque cannot be applied as there is no restriction force to eliminate the rotation of grommet (15). The grommet (15) rotates with the screw (17) if the screw (17) is tried to remove. Since, there is no access from outside of the vehicle to hold the screw grommet (15), it is not possible to remove the number plate (20) without removing the bumper (11) from the vehicle. Fig. 14 illustrates a sectional view of the fig. 13 taken in axis C-C according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Advantages
In one embodiment, the apparatus disclosed in the present disclosure prevents theft of the number plates of the vehicles.

In one embodiment, the apparatus in the present disclosure is a cost-effective anti-theft mechanism for the security of the number plate which can be fit in all the vehicles.

In one embodiment, the apparatus in the present disclosure is eliminates the use of unique screw for each vehicle.

In one embodiment, the apparatus in the present disclosure facilitates mounting of the number plate such that there is no access from outside the vehicle to hold the screw grommet and hence it is not possible to remove the number plate without removing bumper from the vehicle.

Equivalents
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
,CLAIMS:1. An apparatus (10) for securing a number plate (20) of a vehicle, the apparatus (10) comprising:
a bumper (11) configured with one or more slots (12) and at least one stopper (14) configured proximal to each of the one or more slots (12);
a grommet (15) configured with at least one flange (16) tangentially, wherein the grommet (15) is rotatably connected inside the slots (12) of the bumper (11) such that the at least one stopper (14) comes in contact with the at least one or more slots (12) for fastening the number plate with the bumper (11) when the grommet (15) is rotated in a first direction (R1);
a fastener (17) configured to hold the number plate (20) onto the bumper (11) through the grommet (15).

2. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fastener (17) is passed through the number plate (20) and threads into the grommet (15) when the fastener (17) is rotated in a first direction (R1) and at least one flange (16) of the grommet (15) mates with the at least one stopper (14) restricting further rotation of the fastener (17) to apply torque for fastening the number plate (20) into the bumper (11).

3. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the fastener (17) is rotated in a second direction (R2) which is opposite to the first direction (R1) for unfastening the number plate (20), the flange (16) slides over onto the stopper (14) and freely rotates in the second direction (R2) preventing unfastening of the screw grommet (15) and to secure the number plate (20) in the bumper (11) of the vehicle.

4. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bumper (11) is configured with at least one rib (18) for preventing access to the screw grommet (15) from bottom of the bumper (11).

5. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flange (16) is configured with a tapered surface and is tangential to the grommet (15).

6. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a groove (15c) is configured in the grommet (15) at the connecting portion of the flange (16) to provide a flexibility during sliding onto the at least one stopper (14).

7. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more slots (12) are configured into two adjoining slots (12a, 12b), of varying diameters (D1, D2) each.

8. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the diameter (D1) of the slot (12a) is more than diameter (D2) of the slot (12b).

9. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grommet (15) is configured with a circular groove (15a) which meshes with the slot (12b) for joining the grommet (15) with the bumper (11).

10. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grommet (15) is configured with a nut (15b) at top surface of the grommet (15).

11. A method of assembly the apparatus (10) for securing a number plate (20) of a vehicle, the method comprising:
providing a bumper (11) configured with one or more slots (12) and at least one stopper (14) configured proximal to each of the one or more slots (12);
providing a grommet (15) configured with at least one flange (16) tangentially, wherein the grommet (15) is rotatably connected inside the slots (12) of the bumper (11);
providing a fastener (17) configured to hold the number plate (20) onto the bumper (11) through the grommet (15),
wherein the fastener (17) is passed through the number plate (20) and threads into the grommet (15) when the fastener (17) is rotated in a first direction (R1) and at least one flange (16) of the grommet (15) mates with the at least one stopper (14) restricting further rotation of the fastener (17) to apply torque for fastening the number plate (20) into the bumper (11) and
wherein when the fastener (17) is rotated in a second direction (R2) for unfastening the number plate (20), the flange (16) slides over onto the stopper (14) and freely rotates in the second direction (R2) preventing unfastening of the screw grommet (15) and to secure the number plate (20) in the bumper (11) of the vehicle.