Invalidity dossier
US 3781537
Bezel assembly
Current assignee: Motors Liquidation Co
Added 9/23/2026, 5:12:58 PM
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Patent summary
Title, assignee, inventors, filing/issue dates, abstract, and a plain-language overview of the claims.
Patent Overview — US 3,781,537 A ("Bezel assembly")
Bibliographic data (as supplied): U.S. Patent No. 3,781,537 A; application no. US00240187A; inventor C. Ramsey; original assignee General Motors Corp.; current assignee listed as Motors Liquidation Co. Priority/filing date 1972-03-31; granted and published 1973-12-25; anticipated expiration 1990-12-25; legal status "Expired – Lifetime." Classifications include F16B5/126, B60Q3/14, B60Q3/62, B60Q3/64, B60Q3/66, and G02B6/001.
Purpose: To provide an illuminated legend in a panel (e.g., an automotive instrument panel), advantageously illuminated by fiber optics so the lamp sits remote from the legend for easy servicing. The assembly should attach to the panel without separate fasteners and without tools.
Plain-language scope: A bezel and backup-plate assembly mounts to a panel having an inner face, an outer face, and an aperture. The bezel inserts into the aperture from the outer face and integrally includes a frame (dimensioned to fit the aperture, with two spaced side portions), an outer flange larger than the aperture that engages the outer face, and an arm connected to one side portion, projecting beyond the inner face and extending transverse of the aperture toward the other side portion. A backup plate inserts into the bezel from the inner face, mounting between the arm and the frame, with at least one dimension larger than the aperture to engage the inner face and secure the bezel. The backup plate may carry a fiber optic ribbon and a legend-bearing translucent applique; a lower extension fits between spaced resilient arm portions to prevent lateral sliding, and a locking tab prevents vertical sliding. The resilient arm biases the subassembly against the frame; bezel and plate are readily plastic injection molded.
Not established by this excerpt: the full claim set and dependent claims; the complete description and omitted text; the exact figures; and the complete list of cited prior art. No litigation, ownership-transfer, validity, or prior-art analysis is included.
Generated 10/1/2026, 9:43:45 PM
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Litigation summary
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PTAB challenges
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Assignment history
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Prior art
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Obviousness
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Extensions
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Derivative works
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