Abstract:
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for protecting the side doors of an automobile when it is parked. Dings, scratches, and dents are common in parking lots where multiple cars are parked within close proximity to one another. The current invention protects the sides of a car from those dings, scratches, and dents that occur when a neighboring car&#39;s door is opened too wide. The current invention is easy to use and several embodiments offer methods of quick and easy storage. All embodiments of this invention are made primarily out of pliable, soft foam that is weather resistant and smooth enough as to not damage the surface of the car. Rather than using straps or clamps to attach this invention to the car door, this invention features a centrally located protrusion from the foam protection pad that can be shut in the car door.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/078,219 entitled “Apparatus, System, and Method for Automobile Protection Device” and filed on Jul. 3, 2008 for Craig Kimball, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to automotive exterior protection, and more particularly relates to detachable and reusable devices that protect the exterior of an automobile from side impacts from adjacently parked cars. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    The automobile protection devices in this field typically provide a protective buffer for side impacts for stationary automobiles. When an automobile is stationary, it can often be impacted by objects to the sides of that automobile. The sides of an automobile are most often not adequately protected by the front and rear bumpers. Contacts from other cars in a parking lot can often scar or dent the surface of the automobile or remove paint from the automobile surface. In addition to damaging the automobile aesthetically, this damage can cause permanent body damage as protective coatings are removed from the automobile surface and rusting can occur. 
         [0006]    Certain automobiles contain built-in buffers along the side of the automobile, but these are often insufficient to protect against the impacts that the automobile receives. These built-in buffers are also often placed too high or too low on the automobile to protect the automobile body where the protection is needed. These buffers also do not extend far enough from the surface of the automobile to stop objects before those objects impact other portions of the automobile. Scratches and scars on these built-in buffers are still aesthetically damaging to the automobile as the buffer is part of the exterior of the automobile. In addition, there are many automobiles in which the styling does not include room for a built-in buffer to be places on the exterior of the automobile. 
         [0007]    Other inventions in this field offer protection from scratches and dents, but can be difficult and clumsy to install and use. Several examples from the prior art utilize door clamps or straps which take time and effort to put in place every time the user wishes to protect his car from parking lot dents. It could be argued that even though difficult to install, the protection panels can just be left on while the car is in use. But it would ruin the aesthetic value of the car to have bulky buffer panels always attached. Other examples from the prior art offer side door buffer panels which are held in place only by industrial strength magnets. If these magnets were to slip down the car door, the door might be scratched by trapped dirt or irregularities in the magnet face. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus, system, and method that provides protection for the sides of a stationary automobile that is both easy to use and can be quickly put into place. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would be put in place so quickly that it could become part of the driver&#39;s routine. Such an apparatus, system, and method would also be easy to adjust and easy to store when not in use. 
         [0009]    The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available automotive side buffer panels. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus, system, and method for automotive side buffer panels that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art. 
         [0010]    This invention protects the sides of an automobile from damaging impacts. Furthermore, this invention is removable and is desired to avoid scratching the automobile. This invention is adjustable so that it can be placed at different heights on the automobile depending on where protection is needed. This invention is also cost-effective, and durable enough to be able to withstand weather and direct sun and cold. 
         [0011]    The automobile protection device described in this invention is an inexpensive method of protecting the lateral portions of the automobile while it is stationary. It is made completely of a pliable, resilient, non-abrasive, and light weight material. This material could be polystyrene foam or similar, padded cloth, plain or vulcanized rubber, nylon, or some type of plastic. 
         [0012]    In the preferred embodiment, the automobile protection device is made completely of a closed-cell foam. In another embodiment, the closed-cell foam could also be cross-linked for added strength and durability. In one embodiment, the closed-cell foam is a polyethylene. The polyethylene closed-cell foam may also be cross-linked. Both types of polyethylene are simple to manufacture and inexpensive to purchase. Polyethylene foam is rigid enough to protect the side of a car and to absorb multiple impacts, but it is also pliable and soft so as to not damage the car&#39;s exterior. This type of material ensures that the automobile protection device will not scratch the automobile body during use. 
         [0013]    The design of this automobile protection device makes it very easy to use and to store. It is secured to the automobile by simply closing the automobile door. The automobile protection device is stored by simply folding the apparatus in half or thirds or fourths. In one embodiment, the device is manufactured in the folded position and therefore returns automatically to that position when removed from the automobile body. Under another embodiment, the device is stored by folding the apparatus manually. Unlike other examples from the prior art, the automobile protection device does not, in certain embodiments, require additional attachments to secure it to an automobile surface. Additional attachments increase the complexity and cost of the apparatus and can scratch the automobile surface. The invention may be used on any type or size of automobile. Automobiles can include any size of truck, car, boat, snowmobile, four-wheeler, semi-truck, bus or any other object that has lateral sides that may be impacted. 
         [0014]    Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0015]    Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
         [0016]    These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that 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: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1   a  is an orthogonal view of an embodiment of the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 1   b  is an orthogonal view of an embodiment of the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2   a  is an orthogonal view of an embodiment of the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2   b  is an orthogonal view of an embodiment of the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3   a  is an orthogonal view of an embodiment of the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3   b  is an orthogonal view of an embodiment of the protrusion with annular attachment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is an orthogonal view of an embodiment of the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5   a  is an orthogonal view of an embodiment of the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5   b  is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the elongated section of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5   c  is a cross sectional side view of and embodiment of the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a side view of and embodiment of the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7   a  is an orthogonal view and a side view of an embodiment of the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is a side view of and embodiment the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 14  is a side view of an embodiment of the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 15  is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 17  is an orthogonal view of an embodiment of the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 18   a  is a side view of an embodiment of the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 18   b  is a side view of an embodiment of the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 19   a  is a side view of an embodiment of the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 19   b  is a side view of an embodiment of the automobile protection device of the present invention; 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0044]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0045]    Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
         [0046]    Under the embodiment of  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b,  the automobile protection device  100  consists of a compliant elongated section  102  and a compliant protrusion  104  which may extend perpendicularly from the elongated section  102 . Under one embodiment, both the elongated section  102  and the protrusion  104  are made of closed-cell foam that is selected for impact absorption. The foam, in selected embodiments, is nonabrasive to the surface of the automobile, but has sufficient structural strength to withstand impacts from objects. 
         [0047]    Under the embodiment of  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b,  the elongated section  102  has a semicircular cross section  106 . The flat section  108  of the semicircular cross section  106  is designed to be placed against the automobile body. The semicircular section  110  of the semicircular cross section  106  is designed to ensure that the automobile protection device  100  will stop objects before they impact the body of the automobile. When an object impacts the compliant elongated section  102  of the elongated pad, the foam absorbs the force of the impact before it can damage the body of the automobile. 
         [0048]    Under one embodiment, the elongated section  102  has a rectangular cross section. Under another embodiment, the rectangular cross section of the elongated section  102  has rounded edges designed to ensure that the elongated section  102  does not scar the surface of the automobile. Under one embodiment, the elongated section  102  has an oval cross section. Under another embodiment, the elongated section  102  has a circular cross section. 
         [0049]    Under one embodiment the elongated section  102  may be up to 8 feet long, 3 inches wide, and 3 inches think. Of course, the dimensions of the elongated section  102  may be selected to accommodate different sizes of automobile. Due to the ease of manufacturing, the elongated section  102  can be made to a plurality of lengths to accommodate different sizes of automobile, and may be customizable by the user. 
         [0050]    Under the embodiments of  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b,  the lateral ends of the elongated section  102  are flat. Under another embodiment, the lateral ends of the elongated section  102  come to a point in a pyramid shape. Under another embodiment, the lateral ends of the elongated section  102  are rounded. 
         [0051]    Under one embodiment, the elongated section  102  is made of a closed cell foam material. The elongated section  102  can be inexpensively manufactured in this embodiment because it is manufactured from a single material. Under one embodiment, the elongated section  102  has a soft plastic coating. The coating can be colored or printed on. The soft plastic coating ensures that the elongated section  102  does not scratch the automobile body. In one embodiment, the elongated section  102  is coated in a nylon material. Other materials that the device  100  may be formed of include polystyrene, padded cloth, normal or vulcanized rubber, nylon, plastic, or cross-linked or non cross-linked material. 
         [0052]    Under one embodiment, the protrusion  104  extends perpendicularly from the elongated section  102  and is designed to be closed in the automobile door to hold the automobile protection device  100  in the desired location. The protrusion  104  is constructed of a material that can be compressed. Under one embodiment, the protrusion  104  is situated at the midpoint of the elongated section  102 . Under another embodiment, a plurality of protrusions  104  are attached to the elongated section  102  at different locations to secure the automobile protection device  100  at different points on the automobile. Under one embodiment, the elongated section  102  and the protrusion  104  are one integral part and are made of the same material. 
         [0053]    Under one embodiment, the protrusion  104  has an oval cross sectional shape. Under another embodiment, the protrusion  104  has a rectangular cross sectional shape. Under one embodiment, the protrusion  104  is 5 inches long, ½ inches thick and 2 inches wide. 
         [0054]    Under the embodiment of  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b,  the protrusion  104  is attached to the elongated section  102  on one end and has a semicircular shape on the other end. Under another embodiment, the protrusion  104  has a squared end opposite the end that is attached to the elongated section  102 . 
         [0055]    Under one embodiment, there is a fillet where the protrusion  104  meets the elongated section  102 . This adds strength to the attachment between the elongated section  102  and the protrusion  104 . In one embodiment, the protrusion  104  is the same width as the elongated section  102  and extends perpendicularly from it. In one embodiment, the protrusion  104  is wider than the elongated section  102  to add strength to the protrusion  104  and to ensure that more material is secured to the automobile body. Under one embodiment, the protrusion  104  is completely semicircular in shape and extends from the midpoint of the elongated section  102 . 
         [0056]    Under one embodiment, the protrusion  104  is made from a compressible material that does not scratch the body of the automobile. The material is maybe a closed-cell foam material. Under one embodiment, the closed-cell foam is a polyethylene material. Under another embodiment, the closed-cell polyethylene foam may also be cross-linked for added strength. Under one embodiment, the protrusion  104  has a plastic skin material to improve the aesthetic quality of the protrusion  104  and to help ensure that it does not rip when enclosed in an automobile door. Under another embodiment, the protrusion  104  has a closed-cell foam skin designed to ensure that it does not rip when enclosed in an automobile door. Under one embodiment, an outer skin material is made from nylon or spandex and may be used to cover the protrusion  104 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 2   a  shows an embodiment of the automobile protection device  200  in which the protrusion  204  is inserted into a pre-drilled hole  212  in the elongated section  202 . The long thin portion of the protrusion  204  is designed to be inserted in the pre-drilled hole  212  in the elongated section  202 . The protrusion  204  contains a stopper  214  configured to ensure that the protrusion  204  secures to the elongated section  202  once inserted in the pre-drilled hole  212 . Under one embodiment, the protrusion  204  is held to the elongated section  202  by a raised portion on the long thin portion of the protrusion  204 . The raised portion compresses while the protrusion  204  is pushed through the pre-drilled hole  212  and expands when it is through the pre-drilled hole  212 . In this way, the protrusion  204  cannot easily come out of place from the elongated section  202 . 
         [0058]    Under the embodiment of  FIG. 2   a , the stopper  214  can be made from the same material as the protrusion  204  or it can be made from a harder, denser and more durable material to ensure that it braces against the elongated section  202 . Under one embodiment, the stopper  214  and the protrusion  204  are made from the same pliable material as the elongated section to ensure that the portion of the automobile protection device  200  contains the pre-drilled hole  212  is still protected. 
         [0059]    Under the embodiment of  FIG. 2   a , the stopper  214  can be made from the same material as the protrusion  204  or it can be made from a harder, denser and more durable material to ensure that it braces against the elongated section  202 . Under one embodiment, the stopper  214  and the protrusion  204  are made from the same pliable material as the elongated section to ensure that the portion of the automobile protection device  200  containing the pre-drilled hole  212  is protected. 
         [0060]    Under this embodiment, the protrusion  204  may be replaced if lost or broken, without the need to replace the elongated section  202 . Also, if the protrusion  204  becomes worm after being closed in an automobile door several times, it can be replaced without replacing the elongated section  202 . 
         [0061]    Under the embodiment of  FIG. 2   b , the elongated section  202  contains a plurality of pre-drilled holes  212  to accommodate the protrusion  204 . The protrusion  204  may be placed in any of the pre-drilled holes  212  depending on the desired location of the protrusion  204 . This allows the elongated section  202  to be placed in different horizontal position along the automobile. Also, the automobile protection device  200  can be secured to an automobile at a plurality of locations through the use of a plurality of protrusions  204  placed in the plurality of pre-drilled holes  212 . 
         [0062]    Under the embodiment of  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , the protrusion  304  consists of an annular shaped piece  316  connected with the protrusion  304 . The annular shaped piece  316  consists of a hole shaped to fit tightly around the elongated section  302 , and an outer section designed to attach to the protrusion  304  at one point. Under one embodiment, the annular shaped piece  302  is the same width as the protrusion  304 . Under one embodiment, the annular shaped piece  302  is designed to give it the needed strength to prevent tearing of the material when the automobile protection device  300  is in use. Under one embodiment, the annular shaped piece  302  is a ½ inch thick. The annular shaped piece  316  is attached to the protrusion  304  through the use of an adhesive. In one embodiment, the annular shaped piece  316  is manufactured as an integral part of the protrusion  304  and is made from the same material as the protrusion  304 . Under one embodiment, the area on which the protrusion  304  attaches to the annular shaped piece  316  has a filleted edge to give added strength to the connection between the protrusion  304  and the annular shaped piece  316 . 
         [0063]    The inner portion of the annular shaped piece  316  is shaped to fit tightly around the perimeter of the elongated section  302 . This allows the protrusion  304  to slide along the longitudinal axis of the elongated section  302 . In this way, the protection from the automobile protection device  300  can be situated in the desired position simply by moving the protrusion  304  along the elongated section  302  before closing the automobile door on the protrusion  304 . This also allows the user to remove and replace the annular shaped piece  316  and the protrusion  304  without replacing the entire automobile protection device  300 . These sections will likely need to be replaced before the elongated section  302 , as they are designed to be closed in an automobile door. 
         [0064]    Under the embodiment of  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , the protrusion  304  and the annular shaped piece  316  are constructed of a pliant material that can be closed in an automobile door. In one embodiment, the protrusion  304  and the annular shaped piece  316  are made of the same material as the elongated section  302 . In one embodiment, the material is a closed-cell foam. In one embodiment, there is a plastic skin on the annular shaped piece  316  and the protrusion  304 . 
         [0065]    Under the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the elongated section  402  contains cavities  418  wherein a second set of elongated pads  420  are placed. The cavities  418  are designed to fit tightly around the perimeter of the second set of pads  420 . The perimeter of the second set of pads  420  and the cross sectional shape of the cavities  418  is similar in shape. The cavities  418  are slightly larger than the perimeter of the second set of pads  420  to ensure that the second set of pads  420  can move within the cavities  418 . The cavities  418  are disposed along the longitudinal axis of the elongated section  402 . The cavities  418  are disposed on the longitudinal ends of the elongated section  402  and extend toward the center of the elongated section  402 . The cavities  418  do not connect to create one long cavity that extends the entire length of the elongated section  402 . 
         [0066]    Under one embodiment, the cross sectional shape of the cavities  418  and the cross sectional shape of the second set of pads  420  is rectangular. Under one embodiment, the cross sectional rectangular shape has rounded edges designed to ensure that the second set of pads do not scar the surface of the automobile. Under one embodiment, the cross sectional shape of the cavities  418  and the cross sectional shape of the second set of pads  420  is circular. 
         [0067]    Under one embodiment, the cavities  418  are less deep than the total length of the second set of pads  420 . This ensures that an end of the second set of pads  420  protrude from the lateral surfaces of the elongated section  402 . 
         [0068]    The second set of pads  420  are designed to be moved horizontally to extend the length of the elongated section  402 . Under one embodiment, the second set of pads  420  contain a ridge on the end toward the interior of the elongated section  402  to ensure that the second set of pads  420  to not entirely leave the cavity  418  of the elongated section  402 . 
         [0069]    Under one embodiment, the second set of pads  420  are made of a pliable material similar to that of the elongated section  402 . Under one embodiment, the second set of pads  420  are made of a material that is more stiff than the elongated section  402  to ensure that the second set of pads  420  retain their structural integrity as they extend from the end of the elongated section  402 . Under one embodiment, the second set of pads  420  are covered in plastic coating. 
         [0070]    Under the embodiment in  FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b , and  5   c , a plurality of magnets  522  are imbedded in the elongated section  502 . The magnets  522  are incrementally spaced throughout the elongated section  502 . When the protrusion  504  is closed in the automobile door, the magnets  522  are designed to attract to the metal exterior of the automobile and further ensure that the automobile protection device  500  adheres to the exterior of the automobile body. Under the embodiment of  FIG. 5   b , the magnet is completely embedded in the pliable material of the elongated section  502  so that there is always a layer of foam  524  between the automobile body and the magnet surface. This ensures that the magnets  522  do not damage the surface of the automobile. 
         [0071]    Under one embodiment, the magnets  522  have at least one flat side that is designed to face the automobile surface. Under one embodiment, the magnets  522  are rectangular. Under another embodiment, the magnets  522  are cylindrical in shape. Under one embodiment, the magnets  522  are flexible magnets. Under another embodiment, the magnets  522  are plastic coated to ensure that they do not scar the surface of the automobile. Under one embodiment, the magnets  522  are designed to be of a size and strength that will attract to the surface of the automobile and then be easily removed. 
         [0072]    Under one embodiment, the magnets  522  are placed in the elongated section  502  during the manufacturing process. Under one embodiment, the magnets  522  are manufactured as an integral part of the elongated section  502 . Under another embodiment, the magnets  522  are placed in the elongated section  502 . Under another embodiment, the magnets  522  are placed in the elongated section  502  after the elongated section  502  has been manufactured. Under this embodiment, the magnets  522  can be removed by the user. 
         [0073]    Under one embodiment, two magnets  522  are embedded in the elongated section  502  on the longitudinal ends of the elongated section  502 . Under another embodiment, the magnets  522  are designed to help secure the automobile protection device  500  to the exterior of the automobile and to assist in storing the device by holding the elongated section  502  in the folded position when it is stored. When the elongated section  522  is folded for storage, the magnets  522  attract to each other and secure the elongated section  522  in the folded position. 
         [0074]    Under one embodiment, the automobile protection device  600  is folded at a plurality of locations in order to store the automobile protection device  600 . Under one embodiment, the automobile protection device  600  is folded in half. Under another embodiment, the automobile protection device  600  is folded in thirds. Under one embodiment, the automobile protection device  600  is folded in fourths. The automobile protection device can be folded in a plurality of manners for storage. The device  100  maybe seamed or scored. 
         [0075]    Under the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the automobile protection device  600  is folded in half for storage. The closed-cell foam material allows the elongated section  602  to fold back onto itself to save space during storage. Under one embodiment, the protrusion is on the interior of the fold of the elongated section  602 . 
         [0076]    Under the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the elongated section  702  contains a slit  726  in the center of the elongated section  702 . The slit  726  is disposed through the rounded section of the cross section of the elongated section  702 . In this way, sections of the elongated section  702  remain connected by the material that is not cut by the slit  726 . The slit  726  allows the elongated section  702  to fold completely back on itself for storage. When the automobile protection device  700  is in use, the slit  726  does not affect its performance because the sections of the elongated section  702  separated by the slit  726  contact each other and cover the slit  726  area. In one embodiment, the slit  726  is disposed on the opposite side of the elongated section  702  from the protrusion  704 . 
         [0077]    Under the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the elongated section  802  is held in the folded position through the use of straps  828 . Under another embodiment, the straps  828  are provided by the user. The straps  828  can include rope, string, flexible, resilient cords, tape or other securing devices. 
         [0078]      FIG. 9  shows the automobile protection device  900  positioned in the door jam area  932 . In one embodiment, the protrusion  904  is designed to be closed in the door jam area  932  of an automobile. The automobile can be any type of car, truck, snowmobile, bus or other object that has lateral sides that need to be protected from contact with other objects. 
         [0079]    Under the embodiment of  FIG. 10 , the protrusion  1004  is designed to be caught in the door jam area  1032 . The protrusion  1004  is designed to hold the automobile protection device  1000  to the surface of the automobile. In one embodiment, the protrusion  1004  is designed to easily close in any part of the automobile door or window. 
         [0080]    Under the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , the elongated section  1102  is designed to unfold and rest against the body of the automobile. The positioning of the automobile protection device  1100  is adjustable depending on where the protrusion  1104  is closed in the automobile door. The automobile wheels, wheels rims, body and door can all be covered by the automobile protection device  1100 . 
         [0081]    Under the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , a second set of pads  1220  are extended from the elongated section  1202 . Under one embodiment, the second set of pads  1220  are half the length of the elongated section  1202 . 
         [0082]    Under the embodiment of  FIG. 13 , the automobile protection device  1300  is designed to be easily removable from the automobile door  1330 . 
         [0083]    Under the embodiment of  FIG. 14 , the automobile protection device is configured to be folded for easy storage. The elongated section  1402  is folded in half. Because the automobile protection device is removable and does not require any modification to the automobile, it is reusable on any style or size of automobile. 
         [0084]    The schematic flow chart diagram that follows is generally set forth as a logical flow chart diagram. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown. 
         [0085]      FIG. 15  is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method  1500  protecting lateral surfaces of automobiles. In one embodiment, the method  1500  starts  1502  and the user opens  1504  the automobile door  930  and places  1506  the protrusion  904  in the door jam area  932 .  FIG. 9  shows that the protrusion  904  is positioned so that is will be caught in the door  930  when the door  930  is closed. The automobile door  903  is then closed  1508  on the protrusion  904 .  FIG. 10  shows and embodiment of the automobile protection device  1000  with the protrusion  1004  caught in the door jam area  1032 . The protrusion  1004  holds  1510  the automobile protection device  1000  to the surface of the automobile. The protrusion  104  can be closed in the automobile door at different vertical positions to protect different portions of the automobile. In certain situations, the user may expect contacts at a certain vertical level and will place the automobile protection device  1000  at that level. 
         [0086]    Once the automobile door  1130  is closed, the elongated section  1102  unfolds  1512  and rests against the body of the automobile.  FIG. 11  also shows that the automobile protection device  1100  can be positioned to cover more than just the automobile door  1130 . The elongated section  102  rests horizontally on the automobile body and extends outward from the surface of the automobile body to absorb blows from surrounding objects, especially adjacent automobile doors.  FIG. 12  shows an embodiment containing a second set of pads  1220 . Once the elongated section  1202  unfolds and rests against the body of the automobile, the second set of pads  1220  can be extended to protect more of the automobile surface. To remove the automobile protection device  1300 , the automobile door  1330  is opened  1514  and the protrusion  1304  is removed  1516  from the door jam area  1332 . The automobile protection device is folded  1518  for storage by folding the elongated section  1402  in half as shown in  FIG. 14 . Because the automobile protection device is removable and does not require any modification to the automobile, it is reusable on any style or size of automobile. The method  1500  then ends  1520 . 
         [0087]    Under the embodiment of  FIG. 16 , the protection system  1600  is designed to be caught in the door jam area of the car. In this configuration, the entire side of the car is protected from side impacts from neighboring cars. 
         [0088]    Under the embodiment of  FIG. 17 , the automobile protection device  1700  is manufactured in the folded position. This ensures that the natural resting position of the automobile protection device  1700  is in the folded position and creates a spring back force to return the automobile protection device  1700  to this position when removed from the surface of the automobile. The spring back force created by manufacturing the automobile protection device  1700  in the folded position also presses the elongated section  1702  against the body of the automobile when the automobile protection device  1700  is in use. Under this embodiment, the automobile protection device  1700  returns to a folded position automatically and can then be easily stored without the use of any type of fastener. The spring back force holds the folded portions of the elongated section  1702  in the folded position during storage. 
         [0089]    Under the embodiment of  FIG. 18 , the automobile protection device  1800  is shown with a stretchy, elastic band  1804  that can be utilized to keep the protection device  1800  in a folded position for storage.  FIG. 18   a  shows how the protection device  1800  can be folded in half, with the protrusion  1802  held between the outer arms of the device, by an elastic band  1804  that is pulled down so as to keep the device  1800  in its folded position.  FIG. 18   b  shows how the elastic band  1804  can be pulled back so as to allow the protection device  1800  to open up and become functional. The stretchy, elastic band has a seam  1806  stitched in place so that the band stays on the device  1800  even when the device is being used on a parked car. 
         [0090]    Another storage technique is shown in  FIG. 19 . In  FIG. 19   a , the protection device  1900  is open and ready for use. A stretchy, spandex type material is sewn into a sleeve  1904  which is put in place on the device  1900  and placed about the protrusion  1902  so that the protrusion is still able to be shut into the car door. Attached to the sleeve  1904  at one end is an elastic band  1906  which is left slack when the protection device  1900  is deployed.  FIG. 19   b  shows how the elastic band  1906  is stretched around the protection device  1900  when it is folded in half for storage. The spandex-like sleeve  1904  keeps the elastic band  1906  from slipping off the end of the device  1900 . In this configuration, folding the protection device  1900  for storage is very easy and quick. 
         [0091]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.