Vehicle Storage and Display Enclosure

Abstract

A vehicle storage and display enclosure, comprising a frame which holds a floor assembly, walls, and a roof. At least portions of the walls are transparent to allow display of a vehicle placed inside the enclosure. The enclosure is substantially sealed to provide protection of the vehicle from environmental conditions. The temperature and humidity inside the enclosure is controlled by a climate control system.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an enclosure for storing and displaying vehicles. In particular, the present invention relates to a vehicle enclosure for securely storing and displaying a vehicle such that the vehicle is protected from the external environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many individuals own vehicles which are of high monetary or sentimental value or are rare collectors' items. The owners of such vehicles often go to great lengths to preserve the condition of the vehicles as well as possible so as to maintain or even increase the vehicles' value. Such vehicles include bicycles, motorcycles, automobiles, tractors, boats, and the like.

Proper storage of such vehicles will generally include protection of the vehicle from the elements of the outdoors such as moisture, wind, extreme temperature, dirt, dust, fire, mice and other rodents, and the like. Because many vehicles of this type are “antique,” protection from these elements is particularly important. In order to fully protect the components from corrosion, it is important not only to prevent rain and snow from collecting on the vehicle, but also to carefully control the moisture content of the air surrounding the vehicle. Providing a regulated temperature also helps prevent corrosion, as well as improves the functioning of various parts of the engine. Protection from dirt and dust is important because the owners of these vehicles generally invest substantial time and money into keeping the vehicle pristinely clean. Preventing the accumulation of dirt and dust from the environment on the vehicle will decrease the cost of owning and storing the vehicle. Protection from fire is obviously desirable and may even reduce the cost of insuring the vehicle.

The owners of valuable vehicles often also wish to showcase the vehicle for friends or other collectors. To do this, it is often desired to present the vehicle in a suitably attractive setting. Such a setting has lighting, flooring, and a background selected to accentuate the vehicle so that it may be fully appreciated.

The prior art fails to provide an adequate solution to the foregoing needs of those who own vehicles of high monetary or sentimental value. A standard garage, such as those attached to many houses, is inadequate even if it is climate controlled. Garages often contain other articles such as tools, bicycles, yard equipment, and the like which clutter the vehicle and could potentially damage it. Garages also often contain significant amounts of dirt and dust. Additionally, garages often do not present the most favorable setting for displaying the vehicle.

There are examples in the prior art of vehicle storage devices and structures that attempt to provide an adequate vehicle storage solution; however, none of them provide all of the desirable features discussed above. U.S. Pat. No. 4,242,846 to Hurd et al. discloses a motorcycle garage which has air vents to minimize interior heat accumulation and moisture condensation. Such vents, however, do not adequately protect the vehicle from moisture, dirt, and dust in the air. The garage also does not allow any vehicle stored inside to be displayed to people outside of the garage.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,288,949 to Latimer discloses a modular garage structure with two housing enclosures that are telescopically moveable relative to one another. The garage structure provides no way of regulating the climate inside the structure, nor does it allow a vehicle inside it to be displayed. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,265,385 to Smith et al. and 5,369,920 to Taylor also disclose vehicle storage enclosures that suffer from these drawbacks, among others.

The garage disclosed in the Taylor patent is also exemplary of the problem with many storage enclosures of the prior art relating to access to the inside of the enclosure. The Taylor garage has a front door portion that is pivotable, a side wall portion that is pivotable, and a lid portion which is pivotable, all of which are intended to allow access to the vehicle stored in the enclosure. Such a design makes parking a vehicle in the enclosure and removing a vehicle from the enclosure a complicated process. Such a design also requires a large amount of open floor space surrounding the enclosure to accommodate the pivoting portions.

What is needed, therefore, is a vehicle storage enclosure that is substantially sealed from the outside environment and allows the environment inside the enclosure to be controlled. The vehicle storage enclosure should also permit display of the vehicle to persons outside of the enclosure. The storage enclosure should also have a minimal footprint so as to minimize the amount of floor space that it requires. The storage enclosure should allow for easy placement and removal of a vehicle within it. The storage enclosure should be easily accessible by persons.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle storage enclosure that is substantially sealed to the environment external to the enclosure.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a vehicle storage enclosure that permits the display of the vehicle to persons outside of the enclosure.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a vehicle storage enclosure that will require a minimal amount of floor space.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a vehicle storage enclosure that allows for easy placement and removal of a vehicle within it.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a vehicle storage enclosure that is easily accessible by persons.

These and other objects are accomplished according to one embodiment of the present invention by provision of a vehicle storage enclosure, which includes a frame, a roof attached to a top portion of the frame, a subfloor attached to a bottom portion of the frame, and a plurality of vertical walls attached to the frame. The vertical walls, the roof, and the subfloor form an interior of the enclosure, and at least a portion of at least one vertical wall is comprised of a transparent material. At least one vertical wall comprises a side access door and at least one other vertical wall comprises a vehicle access door. A climate control unit is also included which is coupled to the interior of the enclosure by at least one opening in a vertical wall, the subfloor, or the roof.

In some embodiments, at least 50% of the total combined surface area of the plurality of vertical walls is comprised of a transparent material. In some embodiments, the side access door comprises a sliding door. In some embodiments, the vehicle access door comprises at least one accordion door. In some embodiments, the side access door comprises at least one accordion door. In some embodiments, the vehicle access door comprises two bi-fold doors. In some embodiments, the interior of the vehicle storage enclosure is substantially sealed to the environment external to the vehicle storage enclosure when the side access door and the vehicle access door are in a closed position. In some embodiments, the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises a fire detection system. In some embodiments, the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises a fire suppression system. In some embodiments, the climate control system comprises a heat pump. In some embodiments, the side access door and the vehicle access door include lock mechanisms which permit locking the side access door and the vehicle access door in a closed position. In some embodiments, the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises a gasoline vapor sensor. In some embodiments, the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises a floor on top of the subfloor in the interior of the vehicle storage enclosure. In some embodiments, the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises at least one ramp adjacent to the vehicle access door. In some embodiments, the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises at least one ramp adjacent to the side access door.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle storage enclosure is provided which includes a frame, a roof attached to a top portion of the frame, and a plurality of vertical walls attached to side portions of the frame. The vertical walls and the roof form an interior of the vehicle storage enclosure. At least one wall comprises a side access door and at least one other wall comprises a vehicle access door comprised of at least one accordion door. A climate control system is also included and coupled to the interior of the vehicle storage enclosure by at least one opening in a vertical wall. At least 50% of the total combined surface area of the vertical walls is comprised of a transparent material.

In some embodiments, the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises a subfloor attached to a bottom portion of the frame. In some embodiments, the side access door comprises a sliding door. In some embodiments, the side access door comprises at least one accordion door. In some embodiments, the vehicle access door comprises two bi-fold doors. In some embodiments, the interior of the vehicle storage enclosure is substantially sealed to the environment external to the vehicle storage enclosure. In some embodiments, the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises a fire detection system. In some embodiments, the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises a fire suppression system. In some embodiments, the climate control system comprises a heat pump. In some embodiments, the side access door and the vehicle access door include lock mechanisms which permit locking the side access door and the vehicle access door in a closed position. In some embodiments, the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises a gasoline vapor sensor. In some embodiments, the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises at least one ramp adjacent to the vehicle access door. In some embodiments, the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises at least one ramp adjacent to the side access door.

According to a third embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle storage enclosure is provided which includes a frame, at least one rectangular roof panel attached to a top portion of the frame, at least one rectangular subfloor panel attached to a bottom portion of the frame, and a plurality of rectangular, vertical walls, at least a portion of which are comprised of a transparent material attached to side portions of the frame. One vertical wall is comprised of at least one accordion door forming a vehicle access door and one other vertical wall is comprised of a side access door. The vehicle access door and the side access door have closed positions. The roof panel, the subfloor panel, and the vertical walls form an interior volume of the vehicle storage enclosure. A climate control system is also included which is coupled to the interior volume of the vehicle storage enclosure by at least one opening in a vertical wall. The interior volume of the vehicle storage enclosure is substantially sealed to the environment external to the vehicle storage enclosure when the bi-fold doors and the side access door are in closed positions.

In some embodiments, at least 50% of the total combined surface area of the vertical walls is comprised of a transparent material. In some embodiments, the side access door comprises a sliding door. In some embodiments, the side access door comprises at least one accordion door. In some embodiments, the vehicle access door comprises two bi-fold doors. In some embodiments, the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises a fire detection system. In some embodiments, the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises a fire suppression system. In some embodiments, the climate control system comprises a heat pump. In some embodiments, the side access door and the vehicle access door include lock mechanisms which permit locking the side access door and the vehicle access door in a closed position. In some embodiments, the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises a gasoline vapor sensor. In some embodiments, the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises a floor on top of the subfloor in the interior of the vehicle storage enclosure. In some embodiments, the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises at least one ramp adjacent to the vehicle access door. In some embodiments, the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises at least one ramp adjacent to the side access door.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a vehicle storage and display enclosure according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a vehicle storage and display enclosure according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross section view of a portion of the frame of the vehicle storage and display enclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a vehicle storage and display enclosure according to the present invention adapted for outdoor use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a vehicle storage and display enclosure 10 according to the present invention. Enclosure 10 has roof 11, floor assembly 12, and walls 14 supported by frame 13. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, enclosure 10 has a rectangular footprint. In other embodiments, the dimensions of the enclosure 10 are varied so that the enclosure 10 is square. In other embodiments, the enclosure 10 has more than four sides and is polygonal. A vehicle 22 is stored inside the interior of the enclosure 10, and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle is a motorcycle. Enclosures 10 in accordance with the present invention are dimensioned to store a vehicle, in some cases a particular vehicle such as a bicycle, motorcycle, automobile, tractor, boat, or the like. This requires that the enclosure 10 have at least one means of access to its interior that would accommodate the vehicle, as discussed below.

Frame 13 is formed of a suitable material having an appropriate strength and rigidity, for example, extruded aluminum, steel, plastic, or the like. The frame 13 must be strong enough and designed appropriately to support the weight of a vehicle as well as the materials that make up the roof, walls, floor assembly, and accessories, as described below. In some embodiments, the frame is also adapted to hold the roof, walls, and floor assembly in such a way that the interior of the enclosure 10 is substantially sealed to the environment external to the enclosure 10.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, roof 11 is made up of two panels 15a and 15b which are attached to the top portion of frame 13. In this embodiment, the panels 15a and 15b are formed of polycarbonate, which is highly transparent and strong. In other embodiments the roof panels 15a and 15b are formed of other transparent materials such as safety glass. The roof panels 15a and 15b are made of translucent materials in some embodiments and opaque materials in other embodiments.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the walls 14 comprise panels 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e which are also formed of polycarbonate. Thus, the present embodiment allows the vehicle 22 inside the enclosure 10 to be viewed from outside the enclosure. In other embodiments, some of the panels 16 are not made of a transparent material. According to the present invention, however, at least one panel is made of a transparent material to allow the display of the contents of the enclosure 10. The vehicle stored in an enclosure according to the present invention is visible through at least 50% of the total combined surface area of the walls. Suitable transparent materials include polycarbonate, safety glass, and the like. For panels 16 which are not made of a transparent material, a translucent or opaque material is selected. The particular arrangement of transparent, translucent, and/or opaque panels 16 depends on the particular embodiment.

The floor assembly 12 of the enclosure 10 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a floor 17 and a subfloor which is not shown in FIG. 1. The subfloor of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is the portion of the floor assembly 12 which forms the most substantial part of the floor assembly 12 of the enclosure 10. The subfloor is attached to the frame 13 in a substantially sealed manner and the subfloor bears the load of the weight of the objects placed inside the enclosure 10 particularly the vehicle 22. The subfloor is formed of plywood, wood, plastic, or other suitably rigid sheet materials. Use of the subfloor allows the enclosure 10 to be slightly elevated above the ground to help prevent water from entering and/or damaging the enclosure 10 and its contents. The subfloor is supported by the lower part of the frame 13 or a subfloor support frame which is fabricated from aluminum, steel, or other suitably rigid sheet materials. The subfloor support frame includes a leveling system to prevent twisting of the enclosure 10 should it be placed on a surface which is not perfectly level, for example, one that has holes or bumps. In some embodiments, the leveling system includes a telescoping support system at each of the four corners of the enclosure 10. In some embodiments that include larger, heavier enclosures, the leveling system includes more than four telescoping support systems, including some that are between corners.

The floor 17 is placed or fixed on top of the subfloor and is generally chosen for its aesthetic or functional qualities such as water resistance and ease of cleaning. Floor 17 is shown in FIG. 1 as being linoleum, but any standard floor surface is acceptable, such as tile, rubber, carpet, wood, or suitable mats. In some embodiments, the floor assembly does not include a subfloor such that the lower part of the frame 13 rests directly on a floor 17. In such an embodiment, the floor 17 is a plastic mat and the lower frame 13 includes a flexible rubber seal that is in contact with the plastic mat. This arrangement also provides an interior volume of the enclosure that is substantially sealed from the outside environment.

The enclosure 10 has two means of access to its interior, a side door 18 and a vehicle access door 20. Side door 18 allows access via the side of the enclosure 10. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, side door 18 comprises a sliding door. In some embodiments, side door 18 comprises an accordion door, a roll-up door, and the like. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, side door 18 slides in the direction of the arrows 19 from a closed position, in which the interior of enclosure 10 is substantially sealed from the external environment, to an open position. The side door 18 includes a latch mechanism for securing the door in the closed position. In some embodiments, the side door 18 also includes a latch mechanism for securing the door in the open position so that the door will resist unwanted movement while open. In some embodiments, a single latch mechanism is adapted to secure side door 18 in either an open or a closed position. The side door 18 also includes a locking mechanism so that the door may be locked in a closed position. The locking mechanism includes a key lock, combination lock, or the like.

The vehicle access door 20 comprises at least one accordion door. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle access door 20 comprises two bi-fold doors 21a and 21b. In some embodiments, the vehicle access door 20 comprises one or two tri-fold doors, one or two quad-fold doors, and various other types and configurations of accordion doors. The vehicle access door 20 is located on an end of the enclosure 10 which is large enough to allow the vehicle to enter the enclosure 10. The bi-fold doors 21 are employed in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 because the bi-fold doors minimize the amount of floor space required for the enclosure 10. In other embodiments, a standard hinged door is employed, but accordion doors are the preferred type of door for use as the vehicle access door 20. Like the side door 18, the vehicle access door 20 includes one or more latch mechanisms for securing the door in a closed and/or open position. The vehicle access door 20 also has a locking mechanism for locking the door in a closed position, such locking mechanism including a key lock, combination lock, or the like.

FIG. 1 also shows the ramp 40 directly in front of the vehicle access door 20. The ramp 40 allows for the vehicle 22 to be easily rolled into and out of the enclosure 10. In some embodiments the ramp 40 extends along the entire width of the vehicle access door 20, while in other embodiments the ramp 40 is present only in those positions along vehicle access door 20 where a vehicles tires approach. In some embodiments, a ramp is used in a position adjacent to the side access door 18.

FIG. 1 also shows a climate control unit 23 on the outside of enclosure 10. The climate control unit 23 provides conditioned air to the interior of enclosure 10 via the duct 24. The duct 24 is connected to the enclosure 10 by an opening 26 in panel 16a. Climate control unit 23 maintains the air inside enclosure 10 at a temperature and humidity selected to be optimal for the storage of the vehicle 22. Climate control unit 23 provides heating, cooling, and dehumidification. Climate control unit 23 also provides air that is filtered of dust and other particulates that may be harmful to the stored vehicle 22. The climate control unit 23 allows the vehicle to be securely stored in an environment without excess moisture, which contributes to corrosion, mold, mildew, and other unwanted conditions. The climate control unit 23 is preferably a heat pump.

Although it is not shown in FIG. 1, when the enclosure 10 is used inside a building, the enclosure 10 is generally placed near an external wall of the building. This allows for the climate control unit 23 to be place both outside of the enclosure 10 and outside of the building in which it is stored. This arrangement helps reduce excess heat from building up around the outside of the enclosure 10.

FIG. 2 shows an enclosure 10 according to the present invention. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is substantially similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows the vehicle access door 20 in an open position. Minimal floor space is required to open the vehicle access door thanks to the use of bi-fold doors 21a and 21b is apparent in FIG. 2. The clearance in front of the vehicle access door required is only ¼ of the total width of the vehicle access door. On the other hand, when standard hinged doors are used for the vehicle access door, the minimal required clearance in front of the vehicle access door is achieved when two hinged doors are used and the required clearance equal to half of the width of the vehicle access door.

A major difference between the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and that shown in FIG. 1 is that in FIG. 2 the climate control system 23 is located inside the enclosure 10 on panel 16a, near the roof panel 15a. The climate control system 23 shown in FIG. 2 serves the same functions and provides the same benefits of that described in reference to FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross section view of a portion of the frame 13 and a panel 16. FIG. 3 shows the manner in which the frame 13 and the panels 16 substantially seal the interior of the enclosure 10. The portions of frame 13 which hold the panels 15 or 16, the cross section of one of which is shown in FIG. 3, include a slot 26. Inside slot 26, a sealing member 25 is disposed which is formed of rubber, plastic, or any material which is suitably flexible. The panel 16 is inserted into the slot 26 and comes into sealing contact with the sealing member 25.

Some embodiments of the present invention include interior lighting systems. Some embodiments have primary lights attached either to the upper portion of the frame 13 or the roof panels 15a and 15b. Some embodiments also have decorative accent lights placed in selected parts of the enclosure 10, for example around the perimeter of the floor 17.

Various sensors and alarms are incorporated in embodiments of the present invention. Sensors to detect the presence of gasoline vapors, carbon monoxide, smoke, and the like are linked to an audible alarm system to help protect the contents of the enclosure 10. In some embodiments, such sensors are linked to a home or office security system and controllable through the interface of such a system. In a similar fashion, the locking mechanisms for the vehicle access door and the side door are also linked to an audible alarm system or a home or office security system and controllable through the interface of such a system. Some embodiments are provided with a security camera linked to a remote monitor or computer for enhanced security. In some embodiments, a gasoline vapor sensor is linked to an electricity cut-off switch so that in the event that gasoline vapors build up in the enclosure, the electricity is automatically shut off to prevent ignition of the vapors.

In some embodiments, the enclosure 10 is provided with a dedicated fire suppression system, which may include a water sprinkler, but would more preferably include a system employing other wet or dry agents, such as Halon, to minimize incidental damage to the vehicle. Such a system is linked to a smoke alarm located within the enclosure 10. In some embodiments, the enclosure 10 is connected to the fire suppression system of the building in which it is located. The enclosure 10 is made generally of fire resistant materials and thus would provide protection of the contents from fires which originate outside of the enclosure 10. A fire suppression system improves this protection and also helps protect against fires which may originate inside the enclosure 10.

Some embodiments include various accessories with particular utility for the stored vehicle. A battery charger which is connected to an external electrical power source is included in some embodiments to maintain the stored vehicle's battery at a sufficient charge for ignition. An air compressor is provided in some embodiments so that the tires of the stored vehicle can be easily and conveniently inflated to proper pressure before use. For the long-term storage of a vehicle, the enclosure is provided with an air-lift bag system in some embodiments. In some embodiments, shelves and storage racks are provided in the interior of the enclosure and/or on the exterior of the enclosure.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the present invention. The enclosure 10 shown in FIG. 4 is adapted for use outdoors. The enclosure 10 is substantially similar to the enclosure shown in FIG. 1, with some important differences. First, a roof 30 is included which provides better protection of the enclosure 10 and therefore the vehicle 22 from the elements. The roof 30 is used in addition to the roof panels 15 (not shown in FIG. 4) in some embodiments, so that lights and other devices for use inside the enclosure 10 are hung from the frame 13 and/or roof panels 15. The roof 30 includes shingles in some embodiments. Second, the panels 16 are thicker in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 to further improve protection and insulation from the external environment. In some embodiments, the panels 16 are double-pane safety glass or polycarbonate. A third difference is the antenna 31 which is capable of transmitting and receiving data relevant to the various sensors with which the enclosure 10 is equipped, as described below.

The enclosure 10 shown in FIG. 4 includes a side door 18 and a vehicle access door 20. Like the enclosure shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle access door 20 is comprised of bi-fold doors. A climate control system 23 which is outside the enclosure 10 is also included in this embodiment.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular arrangements of parts, features and the like, these are not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many other modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art.

Claims

1. A vehicle storage enclosure, comprising:

a frame;

a roof attached to a top portion of the frame;

a subfloor attached to a bottom portion of the frame;

a plurality of vertical walls attached to the frame such that the vertical walls, the roof, and the subfloor form an interior of the enclosure, wherein at least a portion of at least one vertical wall is comprised of a transparent material and wherein at least one vertical wall comprises a side access door and at least one other vertical wall comprises a vehicle access door; and

a climate control unit, coupled to the interior of the enclosure by at least one opening in a vertical wall, the subfloor, or the roof.

2. The vehicle storage enclosure of claim 1, wherein at least 50% of the total combined surface area of the plurality of vertical walls is comprised of a transparent material.

3. The vehicle storage enclosure of claim 1, wherein the side access door comprises a sliding door.

4. The vehicle storage enclosure of claim 1, wherein the vehicle access door comprises at least one accordion door.

5. The vehicle storage enclosure of claim 1, wherein the side access door comprises at least one accordion door.

6. The vehicle storage enclosure of claim 1, wherein the vehicle access door comprises two bi-fold doors.

7. The vehicle storage enclosure of claim 1, wherein the interior of the vehicle storage enclosure is substantially sealed to the environment external to the vehicle storage enclosure when the side access door and the vehicle access door are in a closed position.

8. The vehicle storage enclosure of claim 1, wherein the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises a fire detection system.

9. The vehicle storage enclosure of claim 1, wherein the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises a fire suppression system.

10. The vehicle storage enclosure of claim 1, wherein the climate control system comprises a heat pump.

11. The vehicle storage enclosure of claim 1, wherein the side access door and the vehicle access door include lock mechanisms which permit locking the side access door and the vehicle access door in a closed position.

12. The vehicle storage enclosure of claim 1, wherein the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises a gasoline vapor sensor.

13. The vehicle storage enclosure of claim 1, wherein the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises a floor on top of the subfloor in the interior of the vehicle storage enclosure.

14. The vehicle storage enclosure of claim 1, wherein the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises at least one ramp adjacent to the vehicle access door.

15. The vehicle storage enclosure of claim 1, wherein the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises at least one ramp adjacent to the side access door.

16. A vehicle storage enclosure, comprising:

a frame;

a roof attached to a top portion of the frame;

a plurality of vertical walls attached to side portions of the frame such that the vertical walls and the roof form an interior of the vehicle storage enclosure, wherein at least one wall comprises a side access door and at least one other wall comprises a vehicle access door comprised of at least one accordion door;

a climate control system coupled to the interior of the vehicle storage enclosure by at least one opening in a vertical wall; and

wherein at least 50% of the total combined surface area of the vertical walls is comprised of a transparent material.

17. The vehicle storage enclosure of claim 16, wherein the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises a subfloor attached to a bottom portion of the frame.

18. The vehicle storage enclosure of claim 16, wherein the side access door comprises a sliding door.

19. The vehicle storage enclosure of claim 16, wherein the side access door comprises at least one accordion door.

20. The vehicle storage enclosure of claim 16, wherein the interior of the vehicle storage enclosure is substantially sealed to the environment external to the vehicle storage enclosure.

21. A vehicle storage enclosure, comprising:

a frame;

at least one rectangular roof panel attached to a top portion of the frame;

at least one rectangular subfloor panel attached to a bottom portion of the frame;

a plurality of rectangular, vertical walls, at least a portion of which are comprised of a transparent material, attached to side portions of the frame, wherein one vertical wall is comprised of at least one accordion door forming a vehicle access door, wherein one other vertical wall is comprised of a side access door and wherein the vehicle access door and the side access door have closed positions;

a climate control system;

wherein the roof panel, the subfloor panel, and the vertical walls form an interior volume of the vehicle storage enclosure;

wherein the climate control system is coupled to the interior volume of the vehicle storage enclosure by at least one opening in a vertical wall; and

wherein the interior volume of the vehicle storage enclosure is substantially sealed to the environment external to the vehicle storage enclosure when the at least one accordion door and the side access door are in closed positions.

22. The vehicle storage enclosure of claim 21, wherein at least 50% of the total combined surface area of the vertical walls is comprised of a transparent material.

23. The vehicle storage enclosure of claim 21, wherein the side access door comprises a sliding door.

24. The vehicle storage enclosure of claim 21, wherein the side access door comprises at least one accordion door.

25. The vehicle storage enclosure of claim 21, wherein the vehicle storage enclosure further comprises a floor on top of the subfloor in the interior of the vehicle storage enclosure.