PORTABLE PASSIVE ANTI-CORROSION VEHICLE ENCLOSURE

Abstract

A portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure comprising a support frame system and a floor sheet. The support frame system is disposed atop the floor sheet and within the periphery of the floor sheet. The enclosure further comprises an enclosing sheet draped over and supported by the support frame system and configured to be sealable against the floor sheet. The enclosure further comprises at least one sealable opening enabling entry and exit of a vehicle and/or a driver. When the enclosure is erected and sealed, the volume defined by the support frame system is substantially isolated from its surrounding environment. A non-powered passive corrosion protection means requiring is provided within the volume to eliminate or reduce corrosion of exposed vehicle metal components within the volume.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed generally to a vehicle enclosure, and more particularly, to a portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure that is capable of enveloping a vehicle it its entirety without coming into direct contact with the vehicle it encloses.

2. Background Art

Conventional car covers are made of combinations of fabrics or non-wovens that are designed to protect the finish of a vehicle from scratching, rubbing and other detrimental effects of coming in contact with moisture and other objects. However, when a conventional cover is draped over a vehicle, the underside of the vehicle is left completely exposed to corrosion and pest intrusion (e.g., rodents and insects).

In order to address the above shortcoming, various solutions have been developed to fully enclose a vehicle. U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,263 to Randmae discloses an inflatable protective fabric enclosure for an automobile. However, it requires a blower to fully inflate the enclosure. Consequently, if the blower is not operating or fails, the front and rear portions of the enclosure are not supported and will droop down to contact the vehicle parked inside the enclosure. There is an even more significant drawback to this invention. Actively supporting the enclosure with a blower not only wastes electric power, but also increases the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the enclosure. The '263 design has yet other drawbacks. It is impossible to avoid contact of the enclosure with a vehicle parked on the fabric when the enclosure is being erected and taken down since the front and rear portions of the enclosure are not structurally supported while being erected or taken down. The enclosure may not be conveniently used since at least a portion of the side walls must be removed before a vehicle can be driven in or out of the enclosure. Another drawback lies in the lack of corrosion protection within the enclosure. In fact, corrosion tendency of vehicle components stored in such an enclosure may increase.

US Pat. App. Pub. No. 2006/0043760 discloses a vehicle cover having two cover members where one pivots relative to the other to move between the open and closed positions of the cover. The cover includes a base on which two cover members are mounted. After one of the cover members is pivoted relative to the other, full access is provided to the vehicle. One drawback of this configuration lies in the large amount of space required for each cover member and the difficulty this presents during transport. Additionally, since one of the covers is pivoted in use, the arch traversed by the cover member is large, thereby requiring a tall ceiling for clearance. In the case of a large vehicle, the size of the cover members may be prohibitively large.

Vehicle appearance has become increasingly important as a tool to convey one's status in the society. Therefore it is important to most people to keep their vehicles in not only good mechanical condition but also in superb appearance. Luxury, antique or custom vehicles are typically well cared for by their owners with car washes, waxing and other buffing work. However, most of these cars are simply parked and stored in an environmentally controlled or worse yet non-temperature controlled garages upon application of exterior finishing. Many conventional covers are simply too cumbersome and unattractive to utilize, thereby deterring more widespread use of the conventional covers. Conventional car covers designed to cover only the vehicle body are typically made of woven textiles are generally opaque and dyed to certain colors. Under these circumstances, it is not possible to protect a vehicle with such a cover while still showcasing it.

Thus, there exists a need for a vehicle enclosure capable of isolating a vehicle from its environment that can be readily used, is relatively compact for storage and handling, and requires minimal work to store or retrieve a vehicle. There further exists a need for a vehicle enclosure which provides corrosion protection to a vehicle it encloses. There further exists a need for a vehicle enclosure that is at least semi-transparent to enable visual enjoyment or identification of the vehicle it protects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a protective vehicle enclosure comprising a support frame system, a floor sheet and an enclosing sheet. The support frame system defines a volume in which a vehicle is placed to be protected. The floor sheet includes a periphery having a first sealing portion. The support frame system is disposed atop the floor sheet and within the periphery of the floor sheet. The enclosing sheet is configured to drape over and be supported by the support frame system and includes a periphery having a second sealing portion. The enclosing sheet further includes a first sealable opening and is configured to enclose the volume. The second sealing portion mates with the first sealing portion to substantially isolate the volume from its surrounding environment.

The sealable opening comprises a periphery where a third sealing portion is disposed. A door panel having a periphery comprising a fourth sealing portion is further provided. The door panel is substantially sized to the first sealable opening, wherein the first sealable opening is closed when the fourth sealing portion is positioned over the third sealing portion and a portion of the first sealing portion. Each sealing portion comprises at least a magnet strip. Each of the floor sheet, enclosing sheet and door panel is preferably impregnated with vapor phase corrosion inhibitor (VPCI). In use, upon erecting the present enclosure, a driver simply drives a vehicle into the volume defined by the support frame system. The door panel is then positioned over the opening to isolate the volume such that VPCI materials may proceed to work. In one embodiment, at least one individual packet containing and capable of releasing VPCI materials is disposed in the volume to further increase the concentration of VPCI materials within the volume, thereby enhancing corrosion protection within the volume.

In one embodiment, a second sealable opening is provided on an adjacent side of the enclosing sheet from the first sealable opening and is configured to accommodate opening of a door of a vehicle upon parking it in the vehicle enclosure. A side door panel configured similarly to the door panel but sized to the second sealable opening is provided to close the second sealable opening.

Preferably, the present invention is formed of a semi-transparent material and allows visibility of the vehicle it encloses. The semi-transparency of the enclosure enables penetration of light rays to illuminate and display the vehicle stored in the enclosure.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention further comprises a hanger whereupon a door or side door panel can be hung to avoid soiling while not in use.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a protective vehicle enclosure that does not come in direct contact with the body of a vehicle it protects, thereby not inadvertently causing damage to the finish of the body of the vehicle.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a protective vehicle enclosure that incorporates a passive corrosion protection means.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a protective vehicle enclosure that substantially fully enclose a vehicle it protects, thereby providing protection against intrusion of small animals and larger insects.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a protective vehicle enclosure that is collapsible and easily transportable.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a support frame system that is capable of being leveled.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a vehicle enclosure that is semi-transparent.

Whereas there may be many embodiments of the present invention, each embodiment may meet one or more of the foregoing recited objects in any combination. It is not intended that each embodiment will necessarily meet each objective. Thus, having broadly outlined the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated, there are, of course, additional features of the present invention that will be described herein and will form a part of the subject matter of this specification.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side orthogonal view of a vehicle stored in a vehicle enclosure according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a floor sheet of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top front perspective view of a support frame system positioned over a floor sheet according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top front perspective view of an enclosing sheet positioned over a support frame system which is in turn positioned over a floor sheet according to the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a partial top orthogonal view of a front corner of the enclosure depicting the relationships between the doorway fringe, magnet strips and support frame system.

FIG. 5 is a top front perspective view of a door panel according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top front perspective view of a completely erected vehicle enclosure according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partial top rear perspective view of a bottom rear corner of the present invention depicting a sealing portion of the enclosing sheet being peeled back and magnet strips extended in order to reveal the attaching mechanism of the enclosing sheet to the floor sheet.

FIG. 8 is a partial cutaway orthogonal view of a pocket depicting a method by which it is formed.

FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway orthogonal view of a pocket depicting a method by which it is formed.

FIG. 10 is a partial cutaway orthogonal view of a pocket depicting a method by which it is formed.

FIG. 11 is a top front perspective view of a completely erected vehicle enclosure according to one embodiment of the present invention depicting a side opening configured to be closed with a side door panel and an additional magnet strip configured for hanging a door panel or side door panel.

FIG. 12 is a top front perspective view of the completely erected vehicle enclosure of FIG. 11 depicting a closed side opening.

FIG. 13 is a top front perspective view of the completely erected vehicle enclosure of FIG. 12 depicting an opened side opening for use as exit for a driver upon parking a car in the enclosure.

FIG. 14 is a simplified top view of FIG. 13 depicting the parked car in relation to the enclosure.

PARTS LIST

• 2—vehicle
• 4—support member
• 6—vehicle enclosure
• 8—front of vehicle enclosure
• 10—rear of vehicle enclosure
• 12—floor
• 16—tire
• 18—floor sheet
• 20—floor sheet magnet strip
• 22—door frame magnet strip
• 24—enclosing sheet
• 26—doorway fringe
• 27—opening of enclosing sheet
• 28—enclosing sheet magnet strip
• 29—door fringe magnet strip
• 30—door threshold magnet strip
• 31—bend of door panel
• 32—door panel magnet strip
• 33—side door frame magnet strip
• 34—door panel
• 35—hanger magnet strip
• 36—level adjuster
• 37—side door threshold magnet strip
• 38—corner
• 39—side door panel magnet strip
• 40—bend of enclosing sheet
• 42, 43—seam
• 44—corner of enclosing sheet
• 46—corner of floor sheet
• 48, 50, 52, 54—pocket
• 56—flap
• 58—width of doorway fringe
• 60—strip
• 62—cross support member
• 64—side door panel
• 66—side door panel frame
• 68—side doorway fringe
• 70—vehicle door
• 72—side opening

PARTICULAR ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a vehicle enclosure that is capable of enclosing a vehicle in its entirety. The non-contact nature of the present invention relative to a vehicle eliminates the potential of causing scratches and buff marks on exterior surfaces of the vehicle, as well as soiling on difficult-to-clean large vehicle enclosures.

Prior art non-contact collapsible enclosures unadvantageously use blowers to keep such enclosures erected, thereby increasing ownership and operating costs. In contrast to prior art non-contact vehicle enclosure, the present invention requires no power to maintain the enclosure from collapsing.

The use of a floor sheet protects the vehicle from moisture that migrates upward into chassis, brakes, cables and other susceptible components of the vehicle. Ingress of moisture into a component can cause corrosion which reduces structural integrity of the component and in some cases cause electrical shorts. In addition to corrosion protection, the complete enclosure of the vehicle keeps out rodents and insects, eliminating the need for pest deterrents or pest control substances such as moth balls, poison and the like.

The present vehicle enclosure eliminates the necessity of repeatedly erecting a deconstructing the enclosure each time a vehicle enters and exits. Unlike a conventional vehicle cover, complete removal of the enclosure is neither necessary nor desirable when temporary access to the vehicle is desired. In the present invention, a support frame system comprised of several support members is erected over a floor sheet and enclosed with an enclosing sheet. An opening is disposed on one face of the enclosing sheet and configured to be closed by a door panel. The door panel is removed for vehicle entry and exit and replaced when the vehicle is securely parked within the volume defined by the frame structure. In order to access the vehicle stored inside the present invention, one simply has to remove the door panel. The support frame system includes a plurality of horizontal and vertical support members. Each vertical support member is further equipped with level adjusters for properly leveling the vehicle enclosure when disposed on a floor. A hanger is further provided, whereupon a door panel can be hung to avoid soiling while not in use.

In contrast to opaque conventional covers, the present invention is formed of a semi-transparent material and allows visibility of the vehicle it encloses. The semi-transparency of the present enclosure enables penetration of light rays to illuminate and display the vehicle stored in the enclosure.

The enclosing and floor sheets and door panel are constructed from a VPCI impregnated material. In use, VPCI modules are naturally dispersed from the interior surfaces of the enclosing and floor sheets and door panel and have affinity for ferrous as well as non-ferrous metal surfaces of the vehicle, preventing moisture and oxygen from becoming attached to the surfaces which would otherwise cause rust to develop and soiling to occur. The outer layer of the enclosing and floor sheets and door panel is constructed from nylon extrusion, thereby providing excellent moisture and oxygen barrier from the surrounding environment. The floor sheet is sufficiently thick to prevent wrinkling or breaking of the sheet when driven on, yet thin enough to allow rolling or folding of the floor sheet for stowage.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a sealable side opening is provided to accommodate opening of a vehicle door and exit or entry of a driver, thereby further enabling the use of more tightly configured but still non-contact vehicle enclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The term “vehicle” as used in this disclosure shall mean an automobile, car, van, boat, watercraft, trailer, motorcycle, All Terrain Vehicle (ATV), truck, Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and any mechanized equipment capable of mobility.

FIG. 1 is a side orthogonal view of a vehicle 2 stored in a portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure 6 according to the present invention. The vehicle enclosure 6 is configured to accommodate a vehicle 2 and leave sufficient space around the front, back, top and sides of the vehicle such that no part of the enclosure comes in contact with the vehicle 2 body. The vehicle enclosure 6 is preferably sized to provide space for a driver of the vehicle to exit the vehicle upon parking it in within the vehicle enclosure 6. In use, a floor sheet 18 is first positioned on a substantially flat surface such as a garage floor 12. A support frame system comprising support members 4 is then erected over the floor sheet 18. An enclosing sheet 24 configured in a rectangular shape approximating the shape and size of the support frame system is positioned over the support frame system until its periphery is substantially sealed against the periphery of the floor sheet 18. There is disposed an opening (27 of FIG. 4) on the front 8 of the vehicle enclosure 6 to facilitate entry and exit of the vehicle 2. Preferably, the rear 10 of the vehicle enclosure 6 is sealed to minimize the potential of accidentally leaving an opening unsealed. However, it shall be understood that an opening may alternately be placed in the rear 10 of the vehicle enclosure 6 to enable entry and exit through both the front 8 and the rear 10 of the vehicle enclosure 6. A magnet strip 35 is disposed on a horizontal support member 4 and configured for hanging a door panel 34 (as shown in FIG. 6) upon its removal.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a floor sheet 18 of the present invention. The floor sheet 18 is preferably constructed from a multilayer sheet having a substantially moisture barrier layer for contacting a floor and a corrosion protection layer disposed integrally but on the top surface of the moisture barrier layer. Preferably, the moisture barrier layer is made of nylon but other moisture impenetrant materials may also be used. The floor sheet 18 preferably measures from about 8 to about 12 mil thick to ease rolling or folding for stowage but yet provides sufficient strength to be walked on or driven on without wrinkling, tearing or breaking. The corrosion protection layer is preferably impregnated with VPCI molecules. In direct contrast to prior art vehicle enclosures having means for corrosion protection, the present invention provides a passive means for protecting metal corrosion, requiring no external or active power. Reference is made to the VPCI impregnated materials disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,384 to Martin, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Another example of a VPCI impregnated material is VPCI impregnated film products manufactured by Cortec Corporation and marketed under the tradename “VPCI 126.”

There is further disposed a sealing portion along the periphery of the floor sheet 18. The floor sheet 18 has four edges and is substantially rectangularly shaped with a footprint sized to sufficiently encompass an area taken up by a vehicle to be protected. In order to facilitate stowage or transport of the floor sheet 18, the sealing portion is configured to be removable. In a preferred embodiment, the sealing portion comprises magnet strips 20. One or more strips of magnet are disposed along each edge of the floor sheet 18. Multiple strips of magnet are utilized to collectively span an edge exceeding a length convenient for storing the strips of magnet. In order to facilitate transport, the magnet strips 20 are removably disposed on the periphery of the floor sheet 18. An elongated pocket for receiving one or more magnet strips 20 is disposed on each edge of the floor sheet 18. Each strip of magnet preferably comprises a cross-sectional profile of ⅛ inch by 1 inch. Such profile is not conducive to folding or rolling the floor sheet 18 into a small convenient diameter. In order to roll the floor sheet 18, magnet strips 20 are preferably removed in pairs. Magnet strips 20 installed on parallel edges shall be removed as a pair. The floor sheet 18 is then rolled at a right angle to the lengthwise direction of the remaining pair of magnet strips 20. If folding is necessary to collapse the floor sheet 18 into an even smaller footprint, all magnet strips 20 should be removed.

FIG. 3 is a top front perspective view of a support frame system positioned over a floor sheet 18 according to the present invention. The support frame system comprises a plurality of support members 4 configured into a rectangular frame having a rectangular top with four vertical legs. One example of the support frame system is a T-slotted extruded aluminum bars and locking systems manufactured by MiniTec Framing Systems, LLC although other clean, relatively lightweight framing materials that are easy to setup may also be used. The MiniTec framing system comprises support members 4 having slotted and interlocking profiles at the ends of and adjacent the ends of each support member 4 configured to be secured with screws operable with an Allen wrench, thereby eliminating the need for special braces for securing each top corner of the frame system.

There is further disposed a level adjuster 36 at the bottom end of each vertical support member 4 for level correction. This feature is especially useful if the floor on which the enclosure is disposed is not level. Proper leveling of the support frame system causes the enclosing sheet 24 to be supported tautly and minimizes wrinkling of the enclosing sheet 24. One example of a level adjuster 36 comprises a foot portion having a centrally disposed screw configured to be received at the bottom of a vertical support member 4. The support frame system further comprises a door frame constructed by disposing magnet strips 22 on the front face of the front 8 vertical support members 4 of the vehicle enclosure 6. Magnet strips 22 are disposed on two adjacent vertical support members 4 and the horizontal support member 4 spanning the entire width of the opening defined by the two adjacent vertical support members 4. In one preferred embodiment, the magnet strips 22 are riveted to the support members 4. However, the magnet strips 22 may also be glued or otherwise fixedly attached to the support members 4 with minimal gaps between the magnet strips 22 and the support members 4.

FIG. 4 is a top front perspective view of an enclosing sheet 24 positioned over a support frame system which is in turn positioned over a floor sheet 18 according to the present invention. An enclosing sheet 24 configured to enclose three vertical sides and the ceiling of a volume defined by the support frame system is draped over and supported by the support frame system, leaving an opening 27 on the front 8 of the vehicle enclosure 6. The enclosing sheet 24 further comprises a sealing portion along its bottom periphery configured to be matable to the sealing portion along the periphery of the floor sheet 18. The sealing portion along the bottom periphery of the enclosing sheet 24 is constructed from one or more magnet strips 28 capable of magnetic attachment to the sealing portion of the floor sheet 18. In one preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, a doorway fringe 26 is provided around the opening 27 on the front of the vehicle enclosure 6. Although unnecessary, the enclosing sheet 24 is preferably constructed in the shape and size of the support frame system such that when deployed, the enclosing sheet 24 is configured to fit tautly over the support frame system. Before transporting or stowing the enclosing sheet 24, all magnet strips 28, 29 are removed such that the enclosing sheet 24 can be folded and rolled into a small and tight package.

The enclosing sheet 24 preferably measures from about 8 mil to about 12 mil thick to ease rolling or folding for stowage but yet provides sufficient strength to prevent against wrinkling and accidental puncturing forces from breaking the enclosing sheet 24. The outer layer facing away from the vehicle enclosure 6 is preferably constructed from a substantially strong material such as nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, laminating film foil, vacuum metalized foil and the like. A corrosion protection layer is preferably impregnated with VPCI molecules on the inside surfaces of the enclosing sheet 24.

FIG. 4A is a partial top orthogonal view of a front corner of the vehicle enclosure 6 depicting the relationships between the doorway fringe 26, magnet strips 20, 22, 28, 30, 32 and the support frame system. The doorway fringe 26 is preferably extended a distance 58 of from about 1 inch to 5 inches from a support member 4 into the opening 27 of the enclosing sheet 24 to provide sufficient grip to the support frame system in order to prevent accidental detachment of the enclosing sheet 24 from the support frame system. There is further provided a corresponding magnet strip 29 for further securing the enclosing sheet 24 to the floor sheet 18 just below the doorway fringe 26.

FIG. 5 is a top front perspective view of a door panel 34 according to the present invention. The door panel 34 is substantially similar to the floor sheet 18 except the door panel 34 is preferably semi transparent to properly reveal the contents of the vehicle enclosure 6 from all sides. The door panel 34 is also configured with an increased size magnet strip 30 to ensure that the threshold of the opening 27 is properly sealed when the door panel 34 is placed over the opening 27. The door threshold magnet strip 30 is shown disposed at substantially right angle to the door panel 34 or in a bent position along a bend 31. The bend 31 typically occurs along an edge of the pocket in which the door threshold magnet strip 30 is disposed and it is substantially close to the floor when mounted over the opening 27 of the vehicle enclosure 6.

The door panel 34 is sized to match the opening 27 where the magnet strips 32 are configured to overlap the magnet strips 22 disposed on vertical support members 4 and horizontal support member 4 of the door frame and the door threshold magnet strip 30 overlaps the magnet strips 20, 29 on the bottom edge of the opening 27. The door panel 34 preferably measures from about 8 mil to about 12 mil thick to ease rolling or folding for stowage but yet provides sufficient strength to prevent against wrinkling and accidental puncturing forces from breaking the door panel 34. The outer layer facing away from the vehicle enclosure 6 is preferably constructed from a substantially strong material such as nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, laminating film foil, vacuum metalized foil and the like. A corrosion protection layer is preferably impregnated with VPCI molecules on the inside surfaces of the enclosing sheet 24. The floor sheet, enclosing sheet and door panel configured for a midsized sedan preferably weigh less than about 15 lbs in total excluding the magnet strips and the support frame system preferably has a weight per linear foot of less than about 0.7 lb/ft. The magnet strips preferably weighs less than 4 lbs in total. The lightweightness of the materials used to construct the present invention presents significant advantage over the two-piece cover design disclosed in US Pat. App. Pub. No. 2006/0043760 where weight will be an issue for a large cover.

FIG. 6 is a top front perspective view of a completely erected vehicle enclosure 6 according to the present invention. Referring now to both FIGS. 4 and 6, the door panel magnet strips 32 are shown disposed over the door frame magnet strips 22 (as shown in FIG. 4) and the door threshold magnet strip 30 is disposed over a portion of each doorway fringe magnet strip 29 on each end of the door threshold magnet strip 30 and a central portion of one floor sheet magnet strip 20. Each doorway fringe magnet strip 29 is in turn disposed over a portion of a floor sheet magnet strip 20. The tight seals that result from sealing the enclosing sheet 24 against the floor sheet 18 and the door panel 34 against the enclosing sheet 24 and floor sheet 18 ensure that no rodents or larger insects can enter the vehicle enclosure 6. A second door panel 34 is shown in FIG. 6 for illustrating a way a door panel 34 can be protected from getting dirtied when not installed. Upon removal from opening 27, a door panel 34 is disposed over a portion of magnet strip 35 such that the door panel 34 is hung taut with portions of magnet strips 32 overlapping a portion of magnet strip 35. Soiling of the door panel 34 is thus prevented.

Corrosion protection may alternatively be provided in individually packed VPCI materials disposed within the volume defined by the vehicle enclosure 6 in lieu of or in addition to the impregnated VPCI layer on the interior surfaces of each sheet 18, 24 and door panel 34. In order to enhance corrosion protection in addition to the VPCI layer of each sheet 18, 24 and door panel 34, a packet is preferably placed in each wheel well area as well as under the engine and the rear of the vehicle 2. The packets provide additional VPCI molecules released into the volume of the vehicle enclosure 6 to bond with metal surfaces to prevent moisture from bonding with metal surfaces to cause corrosion. Spent packets are discarded and replaced with new packets of VPCI materials.

In contrast to the vehicle enclosure disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,263 to Randmae, the present invention requires no power input while in use to keep the enclosure 6 erected. Corrosion protection is also achieved without power input by preventing moisture contact with metal parts compared to Randmae's method of removing moisture using a powered fan. In contrast to the vehicle enclosure disclosed in US Pat. App. Pub. No. 20060043760, the present invention is easy to use without having to rotate a large cover member to enable human and vehicle entry and exit.

FIG. 7 is a partial top rear perspective view of a bottom rear corner of the present invention depicting a sealing portion of the enclosing sheet being peeled back and magnet strips 20, 28 extended in order to reveal the attaching mechanism of the enclosing sheet 24 to the floor sheet 18. A pocket 48 is disposed on each edge of the floor sheet 18 and each bottom edge of the enclosing sheet 24. In its installed position, two adjacent faces of the enclosing sheet 24 are disposed at substantially right angle to each other to form a corner 38. During installation, the periphery of enclosing sheet 24 is bent at bend 40 such that the magnet strip 28 can be installed flat atop the magnet strip 20 to provide maximum attachment between the magnet strips 20, 28. In their installed positions, openings of pockets 48, 50 substantially butt against each other and so do openings of pockets 52, 54. A corner 44 of enclosing sheet 24 is configured to overlap a corresponding corner 46 of the floor sheet 18 in its installed position. Openings of pockets 48 and 50 are configured at about 135 degrees from bend 40 of each vertical face of the enclosing sheet 24. Openings of pockets 52 and 54 are configured at about 0 and 90 degrees from seams 42. The ends of magnet strips 20, 28 are configured at substantially the angles of the openings. Preferably two adjacent sheets are configured to have magnet strip ends at different angles so as to increase the sealing effect of adjacent sheets 24, 18.

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 are partial cutaway orthogonal views of a pocket depicting methods by which it is formed. All magnet strip pockets of the present invention may be formed from one of the following methods. Although these methods are applicable to the floor sheet 18, enclosing sheet 24 and door panel 34, only the floor sheet 18 is shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10. Referring to FIG. 8, a strip 60 having similar mechanical properties to the floor sheet 18 is positioned over an edge of the floor sheet 18 and fixedly attached at its edges to the floor sheet 18 at seams 42, 43 to form a pocket 52. The seams are heat melted and then pressed together to form tight bonds. Referring to FIG. 9, an edge is folded back and heat sealed at seam 42 to form a pocket 52. In one embodiment, an additional step is taken to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 to heat seal the edge of the floor sheet 18 at seam 43 as depicted in FIG. 9 to further strengthen the edge of the floor sheet 18.

FIG. 11 is a top front perspective view of a completely erected vehicle enclosure according to one embodiment of the present invention depicting a side opening 72 configured to be closed with a side door panel. An additional magnet strip 35 is disposed on a horizontal support member 4 and configured for hanging a door panel 34 or a side door panel. Additional support members may be required to increase the size of a vehicle enclosure 6. As shown, cross support members 62 are added to brace an elongated support frame system. An additional vertical support member 4 is added to one side of the support frame system while two vertical support members are added to the opposing side to form a side door frame 66. A magnet strip 33 is disposed on each of the support members forming the side door frame 66. Preferably a side doorway fringe 68 is further disposed around the side opening 72. The side doorway fringe 68 is preferably extended a distance of from about 1 inch to 5 inches from a support member 4 or a portion of a support member 4 into the side opening 72 of the enclosing sheet 24 to provide sufficient grip to the support frame system in order to provide increased rigidity around of the enclosing sheet 24 around the side door frame.

FIG. 12 is a top front perspective view of the completely erected vehicle enclosure of FIG. 11 depicting a closed side opening 72. Similar to the door panel 34, the side door panel 64 also comprises magnet strips 39, 37 on its periphery. The side door panel 64 is sized to match the side opening 72 such that the magnet strips 39 are configured to overlap the magnet strips 33 disposed on side door frame 66 and that the side door threshold magnet strip 37 overlaps a portion of magnet strips 20, 28 on the bottom edge of the side opening 72. The side door panel is preferably impregnated with VPCI molecules on the surface facing the volume in its installed configuration.

FIG. 13 is a top front perspective view of the completely erected vehicle enclosure of FIG. 12 depicting an opened side opening 72 for use as an exit for a driver upon parking a car in the enclosure 6. A portion of a vehicle 2 is shown in broken lines to show the benefit of having a side opening 72. Upon parking a vehicle 2 in the vehicle enclosure 6, a driver proceeds to open the driver side door and exit the vehicle 2. The side opening 72 enables the driver to swing the car door open through the side opening 72. FIG. 14 is a simplified top view of FIG. 13 depicting the parked vehicle 2 in relation to the vehicle enclosure 6. It shall be noted that by having a side opening 72, the vehicle enclosure 6 can be sized smaller and any contact of the body of the vehicle 2 with the vehicle enclosure 6 can still be avoided. Having smaller enclosures saves space and requires less material for fabrication.

In order to avoid soiling a removed door panel 34 or side panel door 64, a hanger is provided. Referring again to FIG. 13, the removed side door panel 64 is disposed over a portion of magnet strip 35 such that the side door panel 64 is hung taut with a portion of magnet strips 33 overlapping a portion of magnet strip 35. Although not shown in FIG. 13, a removed door panel 34 can also be hung directly over a portion of magnet strip 35 or over a portion of magnet strip 33 of the side door panel 64 which in turn overlaps a portion of magnet strip 35. Alternatively, a removed side door panel 64 can be hung directly over a portion of magnet strip 35 or over a portion of magnet strip 32 of the door panel 34 which in turn overlaps a portion of magnet strip 35.

Claims

1. A portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure comprising:

a support frame system defining a volume in which a vehicle having a finished body is protectedly stored;

a floor sheet having a periphery comprising a first sealing portion, wherein said support frame system is disposed atop said floor sheet and within said periphery of said floor sheet; and

an enclosing sheet having a periphery comprising a second sealing portion, wherein said enclosing sheet comprises a sealable opening and is configured to enclose said volume and said second sealing portion mates with said first sealing portion to substantially isolate said volume from its surrounding environment and that no part of said vehicle enclosure comes in contacting engagement with said body of said vehicle, thereby not compromising the finish of said body of said vehicle.

2. The portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure of claim 1, further comprising a door panel having a periphery comprising a fourth sealing portion and substantially sized to said sealable opening, wherein said sealable opening has a periphery comprising a third sealing portion and wherein said sealable opening is closed when said fourth sealing portion is positioned over said third sealing portion and a portion of said first sealing portion.

3. The portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure of claim 1, wherein each of said first, second, third and fourth sealing portions comprises a magnet.

4. The portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure of claim 1, wherein each of said enclosing sheet, floor sheet, door panel and support frame system is collapsible.

5. The portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure of claim 1, wherein said support frame system comprises a plurality of support members having level adjusters.

6. The portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure of claim 1, wherein each of said enclosing sheet, floor sheet and door panel is VPCI impregnated.

7. The portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure of claim 1, further comprising a hanger for hanging a door panel.

8. The portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure of claim 1, wherein said enclosing sheet is semi-transparent and allows light penetration.

9. The portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure of claim 1, further comprising at least one individual packet containing and capable of releasing VPCI materials disposed in said volume.

10. The portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure of claim 1, wherein each of said enclosing sheet, floor sheet, door panel is made of nylon having a thickness of from about 8 to 12 mil.

11. A portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure comprising:

a support frame system defining a volume in which a vehicle is placed to be protected;

a floor sheet having a periphery comprising a first sealing portion, wherein said support frame system is disposed atop said floor sheet and within said periphery of said floor sheet;

an enclosing sheet having a periphery comprising a second sealing portion, wherein said enclosing sheet comprises a sealable opening and is configured to enclose said volume and said second sealing portion mates with said first sealing portion to substantially isolate said volume from its surrounding environment; and

a passive corrosion protection means embedded in said floor sheet and said enclosing sheet, wherein said passive corrosion protection means requires no external or active power to operate.

12. The portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure of claim 11, wherein said passive corrosion protection means comprises VPCI materials disposed within said volume and capable of dispersion within said volume.

13. A portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure comprising:

a support frame system defining a volume in which a vehicle having a finished body is protectedly stored;

a floor sheet having a periphery comprising a first sealing portion, wherein said support frame system is disposed atop said floor sheet and within said periphery of said floor sheet; and

an enclosing sheet having a periphery comprising a second sealing portion, wherein said enclosing sheet comprises a first sealable opening, a second sealable opening and is configured to enclose said volume and said second sealing portion mates with said first sealing portion to substantially isolate said volume from its surrounding environment and that no part of said vehicle enclosure comes in contacting engagement with said body of said vehicle, thereby not compromising the finish of said body of said vehicle, and wherein said first sealable opening is configured for entry and exit of said vehicle and said second sealable opening is configured for accommodating opening of a door of the vehicle upon parking said vehicle in said vehicle enclosure.

14. The portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure of claim 13, further comprising a door panel having a periphery comprising a fourth sealing portion and substantially sized to said first sealable opening, wherein said first sealable opening has a periphery comprising a third sealing portion, wherein said first sealable opening is closed when said fourth sealing portion is positioned over said third sealing portion and a portion of said first sealing portion.

15. The portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure of claim 13, further comprising a side door panel having a periphery comprising a sixth sealing portion and substantially sized to said second sealable opening, wherein said second sealable opening has a periphery comprising a fifth sealing portion, wherein said second sealable opening is closed when said sixth sealing portion is positioned over said fifth sealing portion and a portion of said first sealing portion.

16. The portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure of claim 15, wherein each of said enclosing sheet, floor sheet, door panel and side door panel is VPCI impregnated.

17. The portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure of claim 15, wherein each of said first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth sealing portions comprises a magnet.

18. The portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure of claim 15, further comprising a hanger, whereupon a door panel and/or a side door panel can be hung.

19. The portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure of claim 13, further comprising at least one individual packet containing and capable of releasing VPCI materials disposed in said volume.

20. The portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure of claim 15, wherein each of said enclosing sheet, floor sheet, door panel, side door panel is collapsible and configured to be rolled and folded for stowage or transport.