System for inhibiting the corrosion of metallic objects

Abstract

A cover system for protecting an object comprises: (a) a flexible cover for application around an object to define an enclosure around the object; and (b) a corrosion inhibitor source disposed within the enclosure for selectively releasing corrosion inhibitor into the enclosure. The flexible cover comprises an inner flexible layer in communication with the enclosure and an outer flexible layer disposed outwardly of the inner flexible layer.

1 . A cover system for protecting an object, the cover system comprising:
 (a) a flexible cover for application around an object to define an enclosure around the object; and   (b) a corrosion inhibitor source disposed within the enclosure for selectively releasing corrosion inhibitor into the enclosure,   wherein the flexible cover comprises an inner flexible layer in communication with the enclosure and an outer flexible layer disposed outwardly of the inner flexible layer.   
     
     
         2 . A cover system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the inner flexible layer has a greater flexibility than the outer flexible layer. 
     
     
         3 . A cover system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the inner flexible layer and the outer flexible layer are spaced apart from each other to define an air gap therebetween. 
     
     
         4 . A cover system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the inner flexible layer is thinner than the outer flexible layer. 
     
     
         5 . A cover system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein either of the inner flexible layer or the outer flexible layer comprises at least a portion of non-flexible material. 
     
     
         6 . A cover system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the corrosion inhibitor source comprises a porous material having liquid corrosion inhibitor dispersed therethrough, adapted to allow selective evaporation of the corrosion inhibitor into the enclosure when required. 
     
     
         7 . A cover system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the inner flexible layer of the flexible cover is impregnated with corrosion inhibitor. 
     
     
         8 . A cover system as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising an air removal device for removing at least a portion of air present in the enclosure, from the enclosure. 
     
     
         9 . A cover system as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a substantially flat base upon which an object may be disposed. 
     
     
         10 . A cover system as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the flexible cover comprises a peripheral edge defining a base area and being attachable to the base to form a seal between the base and the flexible cover. 
     
     
         11 . A cover system as claimed in  claim 10 , the flexible cover comprises an upper surface having a surface area greater than the base area. 
     
     
         12 . A cover system as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the flexible cover is attachable to the base by means of at least one clip. 
     
     
         13 . A cover system as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the flexible cover is attachable to the base by means of hook and loop fasteners. 
     
     
         14 . A cover system as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the flexible cover is attachable to the base by means of a compression seal between the periphery of the base and the flexible cover. 
     
     
         15 . A cover system as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the inner flexible layer is attachable to the base by means of a first compression seal comprising:
 (i) a first recess disposed around the periphery of the substantially flat base; and (ii) at least one first insert disposable in the first recess, wherein in use, the inner flexible layer is attached to the base by means of first locating a portion of the inner flexible layer within the first recess and then disposing at least one said first insert in said first recess in order to clamp the inner flexible layer within the first recess.   
     
     
         16 . A cover system as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the outer flexible layer is attachable to the base by means of a second compression seal comprising:
 (i) a second recess disposed around the periphery of the substantially flat base; and (ii) at least one second insert disposable in the second recess, wherein in use, the inner flexible layer is attached to the base by means of first locating a portion of the inner flexible layer within the second recess and then disposing at least one said second insert in said second recess in order to clamp the inner flexible layer within the second recess.   
     
     
         17 . A cover system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the flexible cover is adapted to circulate air within the enclosure in response to external air currents. 
     
     
         18 . A cover system for protecting an object, the cover system comprising:
 (a) a flexible cover for application around an object to define an enclosure around the object;   (b) a corrosion inhibitor source disposed within the enclosure for selectively releasing corrosion inhibitor into the enclosure; and   (c) a base upon which the object may be disposed and to which the flexible cover may be attached,   wherein the cover system further comprises (i) a recess disposed around the periphery of the base; and (ii) at least one insert disposable in the recess, wherein in use, the flexible cover is attached to the base by means of first locating a portion of the flexible cover within the recess and then disposing at least one said insert in said recess in order to clamp the flexible cover within the recess.   
     
     
         19 . A cover system for protecting an object, the cover system comprising:
 (a) a flexible cover for application around an object to define an enclosure around the object; and   (b) a corrosion inhibitor source disposed within the enclosure for selectively releasing corrosion inhibitor into the enclosure,   wherein the cover system further comprises a means for substantially preventing the ingress of external air into the enclosure and facilitating the selective removal of air from within the enclosure.   
     
     
         20 . A cover system as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein the means for substantially preventing the ingress of external air into the enclosure and facilitating the selective removal of air from within the enclosure comprises a one way valve. 
     
     
         21 .- 42 . (canceled)