SMALL VEHICLE SECURITY DEVICE

Abstract: A durable, versatile and economical device for securing and protecting bicycles, motorcycles, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and the like (10). The device comprises a shell or lid (20) attached to a base (60). Alternatively, the shell can be secured to the floor, ground or wall without a base structure. The shell can be lifted around a pivot point (22) to access the vehicle and lowered to secure it. When closed in the down position, the shell can be locked to the frame, completely securing and encapsulating the vehicle. The preferred plastic shell is an economical and durable cover, particularly when crime and vandalism is an issue.

Description: SMALL VEHICLE SECURITY DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. Serial No. 08/543,633 filed on October 16, 1995 which is hereby incoφorated by reference. Field of the Invention The instant invention relates generally to structures for stoπng and protecting small vehicles, such as bicycles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, personal watercraft (such as Jet Skis), all-terrain vehicles and the like. More specifically, the instant invention provides protection from the environment, theft and vandalism and is a durable, versatile, economical solution to problems encountered in small vehicle storage. As municipalities, transit authorities and others are confronted with increasing auto congestion, they are being forced to explore alternative modes of transportation, both voluntarily and by government mandate. Various states and municipalities have enacted legislation providing tax incentives encouraging investment in or mandating measures to increase transportation alternatives. One alternative means of transportation is the use of bicycles. However, people that commute by bicycle encounter a number of problems, including where to store the bicycle and how to protect it from the elements. In addition, bicycles are targets tor theft of both the bicycle itself or it components, and vandalism. Providing adequate bicycle storage and security is an important way of encouraging alternative transportation. Description of the Related Art Prior to this invention there existed no satisfactory protection for bicycles for use in public areas. Conventional bicycle locks leave the bicycle exposed to the elements and do not stop stripping of components such as seats, saddle bags, pumps, etc. In sophisticated bicycles, some mechanical components of the bicycle are worth hundreds of dollars and are the targets of thieves. In addition, a conventional bicycle lock will not stop a determined thief, especially if the bicycle is left unattended for a long period of time. Devices which rely on conventional bicycle locks or similar devices and which fail to provide protection from the elements and vandalism are disclosed in the following references: U.S. Patent Nos. 5,278,538 (A sworth et al. 1994), 4,433,787 (Cook et al. 1984), 4,379.393 (Schott et al. 1983), 3.989.327 (Candelaria 1976), 3,827,773 (Aiello 1974) and 3,762,569 (Spring 1973). A device which relies on a conventional bicycle lock to deter theft is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4.080.020 to Candelaria ( 1978). In its alternative embodiment Candelaria provides a cover element to provide further protection from theft and the elements. However, the cover in Candelaria protects only the top half of the bicycle, leaving at least the bottom half exposed to the elements. Further, the bicycle remains susceptible to vandalism and theft of components. Various shipping containers for bicycles are disclosed in U. S. Patent Nos 4,991 ,715 (Williams 1991), 4.792.039 (Dayton 1988) and 4.378.883 (Profeta 1983), but these devices are limited to transporting bicycles. These devices do not address the requirements ot bicycle commuters or those which neeα storage ror only a short peπod. such as shoppers or those on errands, because the devices require the disassembly and subsequent reassembly of the bicycle. The storage device disclosed in U S. Patent No 3,734.272 to Galen ( 1973) is an indoor storage and shippmg contamer, which fails to address the problems of security in public places because it is not designed for outside use or to be affixed to a specific site. Protection from the elements is provided by soft bicycle covers such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,282.502 (Ballard 1994), 4,976,389 (McLellan et al. 1990), 4,715,646 (Goffi et al. 1987), 4.356.831 (Adams 1982), 4.009.744 (Joslyn 1977) and 3,968,913 (Weed et al.) However, these devices provide no more protection from theft than conventional bike locks and are not solutions to problems encountered by a community or business seeking to encourage bicycle commuting by providing storage. The collapsible bicycle storage contamer assembly disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,352,363 to Wilson (1982) is similar to the soft bicycle covers discussed above, with m inclusion of a frame for suppomng the bicycle. Agam, this device does not address the problems of storage of bicycles and. because of its construction, appears to be a shelter from weather, rather than a viable deterrent to theft or vandalism. Enclosed rectangular bike lockers, such as those available from CYCLE- SAFE, are an attempt to address the needs of bicycle commuters for storage and protect bicycles from theft, vandalism and the elements. Lockers are also disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3.949.528 (Hanger et al. 1976) and 3,967,425 (Wolverton et al. 1976). However, bike lockers have several design weaknesses. Bike lockers are expensive to fabricate, install and maintain. Lockers require a permanent concrete pad foundation which sometimes require permits. Bicycle lockers are inefficient in use of space, in as much as they can only be configured in one specific pattern away trom walls and other obstacles. In addition, once a number of bike lockers are configured, they cannot be rearranged without sigmficant expense. This configuration adaptability is lacking due to the lockers' rectilinear shape, shared common wall and the requirement of a level foundation Maintenance of the lockers is costly because the metal or fiberglass surfaces which make up the locker are prone to abuse and graffiti Aesthetically, the lockers have a sterile presence due to their box-like walls Furthermore, lockers are not easily replaced Lockers also can be safety hazards because ot their design Lockers create a series of long, contiguous walls approximately four feet in height, which allow an individual to be easily concealed from clear Ime of sight, which is a concern at mght or in a high crime area. In addition, illicit activities have been known to take place in bicycle lockers Because the lockers offer shelter which is completely closed from sight, lockers have a propensitΛ tor use for storing drugs and as a place to hide bombs Some lockers have been appropriated by the homeless for use as shelter U.S. Patent No 3,861,092 (Dale et al. 1975) discloses a Molded Storage Housmg for a Motorcycle. This device includes a housmg structure for storage of motorcycles and the like, comprising a cover pivoting about a floor plate Like conventional bike lockers, the Dale device completely closes and seals the contents from sight. In addition, the floor plate of Dale tails to align and suppoπ the motorcycle bemg stored in an upright manner It is necessary tor the vehicle stored in the Dale device to have a support mechamsm of its own. such as a kick stand. Finally, the cover disclosed in Dale is, because of its design, heavy and hard to lift. There is therefore a present need for a suitable storage assembly which encloses and protects a bicycle from the elements while at the same time reducing the possibility of theft or vandalism. Similar problems are encountered by the owners of other small vehicles, such as motorcycles, personal watercraft (such as Jet Skis), snowmobiles, etc. Further, it is desirable that the storage device be inexpensive, durable, pieasmg to the eye and capable ot being arranged in such a way that large numbers of the devices can be placed in a limited or unusually shaped area for most efficient use of space. A device of the type disclosed in the instant specification will allow a community or business to provide storage facilities for bicycles, thus encouraging the use of bicycles for transportation. In addition, the device disclosed herem is suitable for private use by home or apartment dwellers without suitable storage space for small vehicles. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION An object of the present instant invention is to provide an inexpensive, durable, storage device which protects small vehicles from the elements, theft and vandalism. Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage device which can be installed anywhere a conventional bike rack can be installed, in a variety of space saving configurations. The instant invention can be configured to meet the requirements of a panicular site. The instant device can be installed in circular, staggered and straight line configurations, as well as wall mounted or angled. Another object of the instant invention is to provide a modular design which allows for quick and economical replacement of damaged pans rather than the entire unit as with conventional bicycle lockers. Another object of the instant invention is to provide a protective cover for small vehicles that can be used on any surface, with or without a base strucmre. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device which has an aesthetically pleasing design. Another object of the present invention is to allow ease of monitoring use thus preventing illicit activities and problems in high crime areas. Since the instant devices are individual freestanding units, it makes it relatively difficult for someone to conceal themselves behind one. Another object is to minimize vandalism to the storage unit by providing a plastic shell which is impact resistant and resistant to paints or inks. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, a device is employed for the storage and protection of bicycles and other small vehicles which comprises a shell and a base strucmre. The shell opens and closes around a pivot point. In one embodiment the shell is mounted to the frame by a hinging means so the shell can be lifted with respect to the base to allow the vehicle to be placed in the device and to allow access to the vehicle. The shell is lowered to encapsulate the vehicle and the vehicle can be secured by locking the shell or by locking the vehicle to the base strucmre. The preferred plastic shell is an economical and durable cover Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the shell for use with or without a base strucmre. A shell strucmre is placed over an existing surface and used to protect a small vehicle from the elements and/or theft. The shell opens up and closes about a pivot point. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the inventive small vehicle security device in the closed position. FIGURE 2 is a side view of the mventive security device in the open position. FIGURES 3a. 3b and 3c are. respectively, side, plan and front views of the shell poπion of the inventive security device. FIGURE 4 is a plan view of the base strucmre of the inventive security device. FIGURE 5 is a side view of the base strucmre of the inventive security device. FIGURE 6 is a side view of a second embodiment of the inventive security device in the closed position. FIGURE 7 is a side view of the second embodiment of the inventive security device in the open position FIGURE 8a is a plan view of a second prefeπed embodiment of the base strucmre of the inventive security device. FIGURE 8b is a side view of the second preferred embodiment of the base strucmre of the inventive security device FIGURE 9 is a side view of another preferred embodiment of the base strucmre of the inventive security devices FIGURE 10a is a plan view ot another preterred embodiment of the base strucmre of the inventive security device. FIGURE 10b is a side view of another preferred embodiment of the base strucmre of the inventive security device FIGURE 11 is a side view of another preferred embodiment of the base strucmre of the inventive security device. FIGURE 12 is a side view ol another preterred embodiment ot face base strucmre of the inventive security device FIGURES 13a-d and e-h are front and side elevation views of various suppon leg strucmres and base plates of the base strucmre of the inventive security device. FIGURES 14a-c are alternative preferred embodiments of the shell poπion of the inventive security device FIGURES 15a, 15b and 15c are. respectively, side, plan and front views of a strucmre used to support and reimorce the shell poπion ot the inventive security device FIGURES 16a and 16b are. respectively, side and plan views of an embodiment ot the shell poπion of the inventive security device illustrating an alternative pivot point mechamsm DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS There are various embodiments of the security device for small vehicles which would be encompassed by the instant description and following claims Preferred embodiments are described in more detail below In addition to the described base strucmres. other strucmres can be used in connection with the shell to enclose and protect the small vehicle In some cases, no base would be needed and the shell could be used alone. Turning first to Figure 1 , a preferred embodiment ot the inventive security device is illustrated in the closed position Lid or shell 20 encloses bicycle 10. protecting the bιc>cle 10 from theft, component theft, vandalism and the elements In this prefened embodiment the bicycie 10 is supponed by base strucmre 60 Shell 20 has holes 22 through which the horizontal axis member 62 of the base 60 is insened The shell 20. the base strucmre 60 and how these two components interact are described more fully below Figure 2 illustrates the preterred embodiment of the mventive security device with the shell 20 in the open position The shell 20 rotates at holes 22 around the horizontal axis member 62. thereby allowing easy access to the bicycle 10 The hinging mechamsm which allows raising and lowering ot the shell 20 is described more rully below There may also be mechanisms (not shown) which the practitioner will readily appreciate may be used in association with the shell to ease and/or restrict its motion or ease of motion. Turning now to Figures 3 a-c. the lid or shell 20 is illustrated at different perspectives The shell 20 is formed to enclose a small vehicle such as a bicycle to protect it from vandalism and theft and shield it from the natural elements. It is preferred that the shell 20 only substantially enclose the small vehicle, as shown in Figure 1 , in order to allow the inspection of the interior of the umt, to avoid the illicit use of the umt as described above. In a preteπed embodiment, the shell 20 has holes 22 which allow the connection of the shell 20 to the base 60 and also allows the shell 20 to be rotated around the hoπzontal axis member 62 so that the shell 20 can be raised and lowered over the vehicle to be protected. Additionally, the shell 20 can be provided with view holes (not shown) in the body of the shell 20, which would allow inspection of the interior. Plastic is an appropriate and preferred material for creating a large volume shell 20. It is an extremely durable substance, an impoπant quality tor this application, and is capable ot resisting the elements and providing security for the vehicle to be protected. Plastic is also vandalism resistant. The prefened plastic is polyethylene, which has high compression and tension strength relative to its mass, making it extremely impact resistant. Polyethylene is also virtually impervious to pamts, inks and dies, an important quality when graffiti is a concern. Materials such as fiberglass and other composite materials may be used to construct the shell It is also apparent that other materials may be used, such as metal or wood or other materials that will be apparent tor substimtion. although at present time these are considered less durable. The choice of material for the shell depends on the criteria of durability, resistance to elements and weight constraints The weight of the material is an impoπant factor to consider when choosing the location of the pivot point for the shell Additionally, the lift assist means, described below, can also be used to assist in ope ng and closing the shell if necessary The shell can also be reinforced by various methods in order to impaπ strength As illustrated in Figures 15a-c, bars of various materials can be implanted in the shell wall in order to frustrate effoπs by thieves to cut through the shell with blades or other means Figures 15a-c illustrate the shell of the inventive security device with strucmral suppon 300, either embedded in the shell, or alternatively, used as a strucmral suppon about which the shell 20 is built. The shell 20 in this illustration is drawn in broken lmes in order to allow illustration of the strucmral support or cage 300. The strucmral suppon or cage 300 is especially useful in situations where the shell 20 is to be used without a base strucmre 60. as illustrated in Figure 1 In addition to adding suppon to the shell 20, the strucmral suppon or cage 300 adds another layer of protection by covering the small vehicle with a cage, separate and apan from the shell 20 Therefore, even if the shell is removed, the vehicle is still secure. The strucmral suppon or cage 300, in its prefened embodiment, comprises a base rod 302 which is embedded in or is enveloped by the bottom of the shell 20 This base rod can be a unitary piece, or separate pieces configured in a way in order to impart strucmral suppon and shape to the shell 20. Extendmg out from the base rod 302 are one or more cross pieces 304 on which the top ot the shell 20 rests Alternatively, the cross piece 304 is embedded in either the side or top of the shell 20. or both, which allows it to impart strucmral strength and suppon to the shell 20 Front suppon 306 provides additional suppon to one end of the shell The front support 306 also provides a surface at rod 308 about which the shell 20 can pivot when it is raised or lowered Front suppon 306 can be attached to a cross axis, as discussed below, by collars 310 Collars 310 allow the strucmre to rotate about the cross axis The shell can also be impregnated with vaπous substances known to those skilled in the an prior to me molding process or applied to the shell during the manufacturing process These additions can impaπ desired qualities to the shell, including added strength and fire resistance. Molded, recycled plastic cmτently is the most economical means of producing a durable complex shell form and meets the above mentioned design cπteπa of strength, shape, weight and cost In the prefened embodiment, the design of the shell 20 employs compound or opposing curves to strucmrallv maximize its strength - as it is known and understood by those involved in plastics and materials design Compound curves are used to make the shell 20 strucmrallv stronger than a flat plane The strength of a curved plane is maximized withm certain dimensions in reaction to certain forces Compound curves give the surface multidimensional rigidity and strength while minimizing material The specific curves used in a shell for a given utility depends in pan on the shape and size of the vehicle to be stored and may be selected according to the aesthetic choice ot the designer As illustrated in Figures 3a-c. the amount of material to make shell 20 may be minimized, without sacrificing strength through the molding of poπion 24 and 26 of the shell which cause the curvilinear design to be an efficient use ot space. Portions 24 and 26 can be made to bow outwardly from the interior of the shell 20. bow inwardly towards the interior of the shell 20 or can be a combination of both. This allows a number of the inventive devices to be clustered tightly together, thus maximizing the number of units that can be installed withm a given site. When not in use, the design of the shell 20 also allows multiple shells to be nested within one another to effectively reduce shipping volumes. The design of the shell 20 and its curved form may be selected to provide an efficient shape for the molding process and allow for easy mold release. Compound or opposing curves used to impart strength and lower strength-to- material weight ratios are discussed in various other patents unrelated to the subject matter of the present invention. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5, 121 ,741 to Bremer et al. discloses the use of compound curves to enhance the strength and strucmral rigidity of a vest, thus allowing the vest to be formed oi reduced material and weight. Other patents which teach the use of compound curves to impaπ strength and strucmral rigidity, while allowing for reducing the amount of materials used, include U.S. Patent Nos. 5,123,514 (fan blade), 5,323.956 (bowl), 4, 156.706 (fan cylinder), 3.631 ,831 (concrete strucmres), 3,616, 141 (honeycomb strucmres) and 3,591 ,864 (goggles ) In addition to the shell illustrated in Figures 3a-c, Figures 14a-c illustrate embodiments of the shell having compound curves. Figure 14a illustrates shell 20a with hole 22 through w hich the horizontal axis member ot the base 60 is inserted, one of the prefened embodiments for the lowering and raising of the shell 20a. Shell 20a has a series of portions 100 and 102 which act as opposing or compound curves as discussed above. Portions 100 and 102 can either alternate between bowing inwardly or bowing outwardly, or can be any combination of areas bowing outwardly or inwardly. Figures 14b and 14c have other areas 110 and 120, respectively, which also impart strength and strucmral rigidity in the method of compound curves. Each of the illustrated shells 20a-c can be used with any of the bases described herein, or any of the other possible pivot points contemplated. The design of the shell 20 reflects the shape of the vehicle inside and different designs would be employed for vehicles such as motorcycles, snowmobiles and personal watercraft (such as Jet Skis). Other embodiments would have analogous geometric compositions utilizing compound curves to provide rigidity to the shell strucmre and vary in their proportions as to accommodate the design of the vehicle inside. In addition, the shells and bases can be adapted to protect more than one vehicle at a time. Another prefeπed embodiment of the shell is illustrated in Figures 6 (closed) and 7 (opened), in which the shell 70 is comprised of a front poπion 80 and a back portion 82, split at center parting line 84. Each of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 14a-c can be adapted to this manner of use. This embodiment opens and closes at pivot pomt or hinge 86. This design allows the front portion 80 to stay fixed to the base 60 while the back portion 82 is opened for access to the vehicle 10. This embodiment is shown in the open position in Figure 7. The back poπion 82 is hinged to the front poπion 80 at the hinge or pivot point 86. Any hinge known to those skilled in the art can be used to hinge the iront portion 80 to the back portion. Other pivot points can be used to attach the two portions and allow the shell to open and close easily. For example, by moving the pivot point towards the center of the shell ' s gravity, it would reduce the force needed to lift the shell. This embodiment would be particularly advantageous with a vertical wall installation of the base, which is also more fully explained below. Although Figures 6 and 7 reflect a two-part shell, it will be readily appreciated that this embodiment would also apply to a shell having more that two pieces. As stated above, in addition to the hinging means described above, the shell 20 can be opened and closed about many other types of pivot points. For example, one end of the shell 20 can be secured to the ground or the wall by a method, such as bendable elastic or plastic materials that would permit the shell to pivot at that point. This embodiment is illustrated in Figures 16 a and b. As shown in the plan view of this embodiment of the shell portion. Figure 16b, the shell 20 is attached to me ground or wall surface by sheet 150. The sheet 150 can be made partially or wholly of a rubber or plastic material which allows the shell 20 to pivot between the open and closed position. One embodiment would provide a crease 152 about which the shell 20 would pivot. This embodiment can be used with or without the base strucmre. Alternatively, lift assists, such as described below, can be used to ease the lowering and closing of the shell 20. Many base strucmres are available to be used in connection with the shell of the instant invention. In fact, it is possible to utilize the shell without a base strucmre and rather in conjunction with the ground or floor and still be withm the coverage of the instant invention Flat concrete slabs and multiple piece bases are contemplated for use with the shell Many bases that could be used with the instant shell are illustrated in the an of record, but have shortcomings that can be overcome through the use of the prefeπed bases, described in more detail below In one prefeπed embodiment, the base 60 is illustrated m a plan view in Figure 4 and a side view in Figure 5 The function of the base 60 is to support the shell 20, allow the lockmg ot the shell 20 to the base 60 and to aiign the bicycle or vehicle and allow a bicycle to stand upright when it is stored in the inventive device. The base 60 is preferably made of linear tubing and plate metal stock, preferably stainless steel, and treated with an appropriate weather coating (I e., galvanizing, powder coal, or baked on enamel). Alternatively, plastic can also be used as a base material. The first primary component of the base 60 is a horizontal axis member 62. or cross piece, which acts as the central spine ot the base 60 The horizontal axis 62 also has legs or anchor points 64. which, when assembled with the shell 20 extend out from the shell 20 and provide a stable support for the inventive device and the bicycle contained therem The legs or anchor points 64 are preferably fixed to the axis 62 by portions 65 which can be elbow shaped tubing or another configuration dependmg on the design of the base 60 The legs 64 also allow the indi idual umt to be ganged together with other units The hmgmg mechamsm 66 is mounted on the horizontal axis 62 and attaches the shell 20 to the base 60 One prefeπed hinging mechamsm is a section of tubing 66 sleeved over horizontal axis 62. The shell 20 is attached to the tubing 66 which rotates about the axis 62. Alternatively other prefeπed hinges would be sprmg-loaded or pneumatic hinges which would ease the opening and closing of the shell. In addition, hydraulic or pneumatic struts, counterbalancing and elastics are other possible mechanisms, such as torsion bars, tension springs, compression springs and torsion springs and leaf springs that would aid in the lifting and lowermg of the shell about the pivot point. These hinges would allow the easy lowering and closing of the shell and constant resistance if desired. The hinges could also provide resistance to closing o the shell without application of external force. The prefeπed location of the hinging mechanism or pivot point is toward the front end, attaching the shell 20 to the horizontal axis member 62. Other possible locations for the hinging mechamsm or pivot point include the rear end of the shell or at the center parting line 84 of the alternative embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 In this embodiment it is possible for the base 60 to be mounted on a venical wall, thereby allowing the most efficient use of space. In order to allow use in the venical wall prefeπed embodiment, the base illustrated in Figure 5 would further comprise a retaining bar 69 that fastens between members 68. This bar would entrap the front wheel, suspending the bicycle in position. The second primary component of the base 60 are aligning or support members 68 which are connected at point 70 and which extend out from the horizontal axis 62. They are cross-tied by brackets 72 and 74 to keep them rigid and oriented coπectly. When the inventive device is used for a bicycle, the bicycle is placed between the aiigmng members 68 and preferably the members 68 are configured so that portions 76 and 78 correspond to the wheels of the bicycle, thus aligmng the bicycle and keeping the bicycle 10 in an upright position The members 68 also keep the bicycle orientated with the shell 20 so as to allow for ease in opemng and closing the shell. Members 68, in different configurations used with other small vehicles, can also act to suppon or align those small vehicles. The base 60 also contains a back suppon 90 which can be secured to the ground or wail at plate 96 through holes 92. by any fixmg means, such as lag or expansion bolts, clamps, welding, or other types of fasteners. Alternatively, as discussed below, the units can be locked or secured together such that the umts cannot be moved, disposmg with the need to secure each individual unit to the wall or ground. The back suppon 90 also comprises flange 94 which provides a point to mount a locking mechamsm so that the base 60 can be locked to the shell 20, thus securmg the vehicle from theft Other prefeπed embodiments of the base strucmre are illustrated in Figures 8-13. An alternative embodiment of the base strucmre is illustrated in Figures 8a and 8b. In this embodiment, the same leg or anchor pomts 64 are connected to the horizontal axis 62 as shown in Figures 4 and 5 This embodiment changes the aligmng and supporting member 162 to a single member which rises above the floor and provides suppon to the body of the small vehicle. Aligmng rod 160 is configured so as to allow one or more vehicles, such as bicycle wheels, to be inserted and held in place The aligmng and supporting member 162 acts to separate and support the bicycles. The end of the aligning and supporting member 162 is attached to the ground or floor surface by plate 94a. Figure 9 illustrates another embodiment of the aligning and suppoπing member 162a. used to separate and suppon one or more bicycles. It should also be noted that the small vehicles can also be locked to or otherwise secured to the aligning and supponing member 162. Figures 10a and 10b illustrate yet another embodiment of the base strucmre. Aligmng and suppoπing member 162b is connected to a cross axis 172. which is secured to the ground by legs 178 and suppon plates 174. The back end of the base is connected to the ground by plate 170. Aligning rod 160 can also be used in connection with this and any other base strucmre contemplated. Figure 11 illustrates another embodiment of supporting and aligning member 162c. Figure 12 illustrates another embodiment which lacks the supporting and aligning member, but has a cross axis 172 about which the shell 20 can pivot, plate 174 which secures the front end of the shell and base to the ground. The embodiment of Figure 12 also includes a back connection member 190 which allows the back end of the shell to be secured at locking point 194. Base plate 192 secures the back connection member 190 to the ground or floor. Figures 13a-d and side views e-h illustrate other front portions of the base strucmre that can be interchanged with the various suppoπing and aligning members illustrated above. Each of 13a and 13b show a cross axis 200 from which legs or anchor points 210 and 212 extend. In 13b. the bottom or the anchor points are connected to the ground by plate 222. In Figure 13c. an axis 214 acts to suppon the base on the ground. Finally in Figure 13d. the cross axis 216 is supponed by legs 218 and plate 220 In all of those embodiments, tubing 66 is sleeved over the axis to allow rotation of the shell Other embodiments are considered within the invention Also, as described above, the shell can be used in conjunction with many other bases, including flat sheets, other base strucmres used to align and suppon the vehicle or even the ground or a wall to which the shell can be secured and where the shell rotates about a pivot point in order to allow the inseπion and removal of a small vehicle. The prefeπed embodiment of the locking mechamsm could be a hasp that receives a padlock or bicycle U lock Many versions of these are well known and can be selected based upon criteria of cost, usage and personal taste. The padlock would be secured in a bell housing. Other options for the locking mechamsm are coin operated timer locks (such as aupon lockers), or permanent locks that are activated by key. magnetic card or code. The preteπed location tor the lockmg mechamsm that secures the hmged shell 20 to the base 60 is at the opposite end of the shell from the hmge Other permutations are on the hmge or on both sides of the shell or a metal stanchion that comes up from the base 60 either internal or external of the shell 20. Additionally, the small vehicle may be also locked to the base itself One of the advantages of the of the inventive device is that it can be configured as multiple umts that interlock and can be aπayed in a variety ot space saving configurations Possible arrays include ( 1) circular or curved banks, which has the trom end or hinged end of the umt facmg a common center point, so the shells open to the center. (2) parallel aπay. which has the umts side by side facing the same direction, and. (3) opposing parallel aπay. with the umts alternately facing one another aiong a common center axes. The umts may also be aπanged in a variety of other orientations to meet aesthetic or functional requirements. Legs 64 of umts can be ganged or coupled together. A prefeπed embodiment would use a section of tubing or tubings that are sleeved over legs 64 and act as a collar or coupler. The couplers may be supplied with a band depending on the configuration of the umts and can be fastened in place by set screws, weld or threading. Alternatively the umts can be coupled by attaching legs 64, or member 65 as the configuration requires. In still another prefeπed embodiment the device can be used as trailer mounted protective covermg for small vehicles, such as personal watercraft (such as Jet Skis), motorcycles and snowmobiles while in transit. Since certain changes may be made in the above-described device without depaning from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The scope of the invention is defmed in the claims appended hereto.

Claims: CLAIMS I claim: An enclosure for protecting a small vehicle, without requiring substantial disassembly of the small vehicle, said enclosure comprising: a base for receiving, aligning and supporting said small vehicle; means for securing said base in a location to prevent movement of the base: and a shell for substantially enclosing and protecting said small vehicle, said shell rotatably mounted and moveable between an opened position and a closed position with respect to the base. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein said shell is connected to said base by a hinging means. The enclosure of claim 2 wherein said base comprises a hoπzontal cross piece and one or more members extending trom said cross piece, said members configured to align and support said vehicle. The enclosure of claim 3 wherem said members are spaced to receive said small vehicle. The enclosure of claim 3 wherein said horizontal cross piece further comprises one or more outwardly extending legs, said legs having means for supporting the enclosure on a surface. ■ n 6 The enclosure of claim 1 wherein said shell is made ot an impact resistant mateπal 7 The enclosure of claim 6 wherein said impact resistant material is plastic 8 The enclosure of claim 1 wherein said shell comprises compound curves The enclosure of claim 8 wherem said shell comprises at least a two discrete portions, at least one of said portions compnsmg a compound curve bowed inwardly to the interior of the enclosure 10 The enclosure ot claim 8 wherem said shell comprises at least a two discrete portions, at least one of said portions comprising a compound curve bowed outwardly from the interior of the enclosure 11. The enclosure of claim 8 wherem said shell compπses at least a two discrete portions, wherem at least one of said portions comprises a compound curve bowed inwardly to the interior of the enclosure and at least one of said portions comprises a compound curve bowed outwardlv trom the interior of the enclosure 12. The enclosure of claim 11 wherein at least one of said portions bowmg inwardly is adjacent to a portion bowed outwardly 13 The enclosure of claim 3 wherein said shell is mounted to and moves about said horizontal cross piece at a hmgmg means 14 The enclosure of claim 1 further comprising a locking means associated with said base and said shell for releasably securmg said shell in a closed position 15 The enclosure of claim 1 wherein said shell for substantially enclosing and protecting said small vehicle comprises a plurality ot pans connected to each other and movable between an opened position and a closed position with respect to the base 16 The enclosure of claim 15 wherein said pans of the shell are connected to each other by means of a hmge 17 The enclosure of claun 1 wherem said base is mounted in a vemcal or near vertical orientation 18 The enclosure of claim 2 wherein said hmgmg means includes means for assistmg in moving the shell between the opened and closed positions. 19 The enclosure of claim 16 wherem said hmge includes means for assistmg in moving the shell between the opened and closed positions 20. A storage facility for protecting substantially assembled small vehicles, compnsmg a plurality ot enclosures, each ot said enclosures having a base for receiving and aligmng said small v ehicle, means tor securing said base to the base of one or more of the other enclosures comprising the storage facility, and a shell for enclosing and protectmg said small vehicle, said shell moveable between an opened position and a closed position with respect to the base 21 A cover for protecting small vehicles, comprising a pivot point: a shell moveable about said pivot point between an opened and closed position, said shell capable of substantially enclosing a small vehicle and capable ot being secured to a surface when in the closed position The enclosure ot claim 21 wherein said shell comprises compound curves The enclosure of claim 22 wherein said shell comprises at least a two discrete pomons. at least one of said portions comprising a compound curve bowed mwardly to the interior of the enclosure The enclosure ot claim 22 wherein said shell comprises at least a two discrete pomons. at least one of said portions comprising a compound curve bowed outwardly from the interior of the enclosure The enclosure of claim 22 wherem said shell comprises at least a two discrete portions, wherem at least one of said portions comprises a compound curve bowed inwardly to the mteπor of the enclosure and at least one of said pomons comprises a compound curve bowed outwardlv trom the interior of the enclosure The enclosure of claim 25 wherein at least one of said pomons bowing mwardly alternate on the surface of said shell with a poπion bowed outwardly The enclosure of claim 5 wherein said legs are capable ot coupling the enclosure to the legs of a second enclosure 28. The enclosure of claim 1 further comprising a cage suπounding and enclosing the small vehicle, whereby said cage prevents the vehicle from being removed from the enclosure. 29. The cover for protecting a small vehicle of claim 21 , said cover further comprising a cage suπounding and enclosing said small vehicle, whereby said cage prevents the removal of said small vehicle.

Inventors: VOORHEES STEPHEN C, VOORHEES, STEPHEN, C.
Applicants: PLASTRON PRODUCTS LLC, VOORHEES STEPHEN C, PLASTRON PRODUCTS, LLC, VOORHEES, STEPHEN, C.
Application year: 1996
Main classification: B65D85
IPC codes: B62H3, B62J19, B65D85