CA2178009A1 - Anti-frost car cover - Google Patents

Abstract

A cover for protecting parked cars from the harmful effects of heavy snowfalls, ice, and frost; comprises a body having five sides. Two sides for front and rear windows to completely cover windows and wipers; left and right sides extending past doors handles and locks; and the roof. The front and right sides are equipped with exterior pockets for mirrors. The main body is equipped with straps and/or fasteners to secure it firmly onto the car. The lower perimeter of the body is reinforced with a strong elastic type material toprevent wind and moisture penetration. The cover is made of lightweight, waterproof, insulated material. The article is applied to the car by first fastening the rear straps onto the body of the car, then roll the rest of the material from back to front, and finally fastening the remaining straps. To undo simply reverse the process and fold the article for storage. Each process takes no more than two minutes. This article is designed to save motorists from the inconveniences of cleaning cars and potential damages to protected parts in areas affected by severe winter conditions.

Description

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SPECIFICATIONS
The present invention relates to a cover, anti-frost cover, for automobiles for the purpose of protecting them from the harmful effects of snow, ice, and frost during severe winter conditions.

In areas affected by severe winter conditions, cars parked outside for a long time, may experience some if not all of the following conditions:
Heavy snow acc--mlll~ion on cars which costs motorists inconveniences (of cleaning under subfreezing conditions), and time;
Frozen door locks and handles which are known to jam or brake costing motorists hundreds of dollars to replace. Also they are known to render vehicles inoperable c~llsing motorists some inconveniences;
Frozen windows and windshields which not only take time to clear, but may lead to premature wear and tear of wipers, window rollers, and scrapers;
Frozen wipers and wiper blades which are frequently damaged during winter and more often lead to premature replacement of wiper motors.
Cullelllly, there are two general approaches to this problem.
The first is a preventive measure which involves the use of chemical agents applied on windows door locks and handles to prevent free7inp; However, our experience has shown that such measures are ineffective in subfreez:ing temperatures. Moreover, chemical agents require continuous application to be effective.
The second involves the use of stronger accessories such as scrapers and brushes. In most cases these tools either prove to be ineffective, or they require frequent replacement Af~er researching and testing di~lent protective measures, it was realized that the better method is the one that prevents the problem before it starts, that is a method that keeps snow~ ice, wind, and moisture away from the vulnerable parts when the car is parked. Such method will have to be easy and convenient to use for a typical motorist. The design and materials used for the anti-frost cover were chosen to meet these requirements.

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2 1 7~009 Moreover, for motorists working late hours, or working in remote areas, it provides an added safety factor from potential intruders in that they don't have to wait long in lonely parking spots to clean their vehicles.
The basic shape of the cover is shown in photographs Pl through P5, anddiagrams A# 1 through A#4.

A#1 shows the right side of the cover, which is also shown in P1 and P5.
In A# 1, 1 and 2 refer to two of the straps that can be secured either on the frame of the car as shown in Pl and A#2 with the same numerals, or on the wheels.
Mirror pockets are shown with numeral 3 on A#l and A#2 or P on P1. The shape and size of the pockets is chosen to accommodate different locations of n~llol~ on vehicles. Mirrors are attached to the body by use of a strong thread assisted by a strong adhesive on the seams.
Numeral 5 in A#l is a lower perimeter of the cover. It is reinforced by a strong elasticized material to keep the cover firmly onto the car and thus prevent moisture and wind penetration at the perimeter. Similar information appears in P2 with the same numeral.
Numeral 4, 6, and 7 refer to the front, rear, and upper seams respectively. The specific shape of 6 depend on vehicle type where type refers to, but not limited to, sedan, hatchback, station wagons, vans, etc.
A#2, Pl, and P5 show the right side of the cover when applied to the car. As shown, it covers locks and handles. The left side, not shown, is identical to the right side.
A#3 and P3 show the front view covering the windshield. P4 shows the rear view on the rear window.
In A#3 numeral 3 refers to the mirror pockets and insert I shows the protected wipers and wiper blades.
P2 is an aerial view of the front F, right R and top T sides of the cover when it was applied to a Honda Civic model car.
A#4 shows a two dimensional projection of the cover where symbols T, R,F, L ,and RR stand for top, right, front, left, and rear respectively. Again 3 stands for mirror pockets. The exact shapes depend on car type.

2 ~ 780~9 All pieces are put together at the seams using strong industrial threadreinforced with some type of water insoluble adhesive to prevent moisture penetration.
The exterior is made of a light weight water proof material, while the interior is coated with a strong but light weight insulation compound.

The total body weight is less than 900 grams.

Straps together with pockets help to secure the cover firmly on the car against strong winds and in some cases against theft.
The cover is applied on the car by first securing the rear straps on the car, then roll the cover over the car and insert the pockets. Finally, secure the rem~ining straps or fasteners. Repeated experiments show that this process takes a maximum of two minutes for a typical motorist.
When applied, insulation protects the covered parts from free~ing the reillforced lower perimeter prevents moisture penetration and heavy winds from blowing cold air in the interior surface and thus causing freç7.ing To remove the cover, first check for excess snow on the cover. For light snow accllm~ tion, simply undo the front straps and pockets, shake of excess snow roll the cover offthe car, then undo the rear straps. Fold the cover for storageinto the trunk or garage. The cover when folded correctly takes a very small space. The process takes up to three minutes.
When the cover is removed the protected parts should be as clear as if the car was parked in the covered garage.
The frost cover can be taken anywhere, at work, home camping etc.

Claims (6)

1 An anti-frost car cover comprising:
a top panel covering the entire roof of the car; two side panels, left and right, wherein each side extends from the edge of the top panel down past door locks and handles; front side covering the windshield and wipers; rear side covering the rear window and wipers where applicable; and the exterior pockets on the front side of each side panel to cover mirrors and hold the cover firmly onto the car.

2 An anti-frost cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower perimeter of the cover is reinforced with a strong elastic type material.

3 An anti-frost cover as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein the cover has the means for securing firmly onto the car.

4 An anti-frost cover as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cover is secured to the car by means of strong, non-abrasive adjustable straps and/or fasteners.

5 An anti-frost cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body of the cover is made of alight weight, strong waterproof, insulated materials.

6 An anti-frost cover as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the sizes and shapes are determined by vehicle type.