Preassembled platform for vertical vehicle parking and storage

Abstract

An apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage includes a platform having a platform drive assembly and a side rail assembly that is preassembled for cost effective installation at an existing site. The platform drive assembly includes a motor, a drive axle and a control panel. The side rail assembly includes a continuous chain that is driven by the motor and drive axle using an exterior control pendant to move the preassembled platform between a lowered position for receiving a vehicle and a raised position for parking and storing the vehicle. The preassembled platform is suspended from an overhead supporting structure in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the preassembled platform is supported on an elevating structure. The side rail assembly may further include one or more drive sprockets, driven and loop sprockets, chain guides, locks, slack sensors, limit switches, over length position sensors and / or over height position sensors.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and system for vehicle parking and storage. More particularly, the invention is an apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage. In exemplary embodiments, the apparatus and system is a platform for vertical vehicle parking and storage that is preassembled for cost effective installation at an existing site. In an exemplary embodiment, the preassembled platform is configured to be suspended from an overhead structure. In another exemplary embodiment, the preassembled platform is configured to be supported on an elevating structure.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The ever increasing number of vehicles, and in particular passenger cars, trucks and SUVs, has created a need to efficiently park and store vehicles not in use, especially in urban areas where real estate for parking and storing vehicles is at a premium. Various solutions to the need have been brought into use, including multi-story vehicle parking and storage structures and automated vehicle parking and storage systems. However, those approaches to the problem have proven problematic and deficient in certain respects.

[0003] Multi-story parking and storage structures improve the density of vehicles that can be parked on a given footprint of real estate. However, such structures consume valuable real estate to provide for the necessary ingress to and egress from parking spaces and oftentimes result in the inefficient management of the parking and storage spaces. Furthermore, multi-story vehicle parking and storage structures incur the costs associated with staffing, such as parking attendant, payment collection and security personnel, as well as with signage, lighting and security expenditures and their related maintenance. Automated vehicle parking and storage systems reduce overhead costs, but typically are more costly to build and complex to operate. Commercial operators of multi-story vehicle parking and storage structures and automated vehicle parking and storage systems may also be liable for vehicle and personal property thefts, vandalism to vehicles and the structure or system, and damages resulting from accidental contact of a vehicle with another vehicle or with the structure. Consequently, such vehicle parking and storage structures and systems are not suitable for personal use by individuals or for display purposes by automobile collectors.

[0004] Various vehicle parking and storage structures and systems for individuals and automobile collectors exist. However, these known structures and systems require extensive time, labor and expense to construct and install. First, local contractors are hired to construct a free-standing support structure at the site that typically requires permits and inspections from municipal building authorities. The various components of the parking and storage structure or system are then delivered to the site. Specially trained mechanical and electrical installers are then dispatched to the site to complete the installation of the structure or system. Oftentimes, the various components of the structure or system are shipped to the site separately and the specially trained installers must travel to the site to complete the installation. Consequently, additional permit and labor costs, as well as travel and per diem expenses, are incurred by both the structure or system supplier and the end user. The aforementioned disadvantages have led to fewer individuals and automobile collectors able to afford the time and expense required to construct and install conventional vehicle parking and storage structures and systems.

[0005] In view of the foregoing problems, deficiencies and disadvantages, it is apparent a vehicle parking and storage structure and system for individuals and automobile collectors is needed that is less time consuming and less costly to construct and install, especially at an urban site where additional permit and labor costs, as well as travel and per diem expenses, would otherwise be incurred. A more particular need exists for an apparatus and system for space-saving and efficient vertical vehicle parking and storage. A specific need exists for such an apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage that is preassembled for cost effective installation at an existing site without the need for on-site assembly or for specially trained mechanical and electrical installers.

[0006] Certain aspects, objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent, and others will be readily understood and appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art as one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawing figures. It is intended that all such aspects, objects, features and advantages of the invention be encompassed by the scope of the appended claims given their broadest reasonable construction in view of the written description and accompanying drawing figures, as such would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the invention.

[0007] These aspects, objects, features and advantages of the invention, as well as others not expressly mentioned, may be accomplished by one, by more than one, by all or by none of the exemplary embodiments described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures. Regardless, it should be understood and appreciated that the description of exemplary embodiments and the drawing figures are for illustrative purposes only, and that various alterations, modifications, revisions and substitutions may be made to any of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the intended scope of the appended claims given their broadest reasonable construction and interpretation consistent with this disclosure, as would be understood and appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the relevant art.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0008] The aforementioned aspects, objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

[0009] FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view showing an apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage of FIG. 1 in greater detail.

[0011] FIG. 3 is perspective view showing an apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a preassembled platform for the apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the preassembled platform of FIG. 4.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the preassembled platform of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view showing an apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage of FIG. 7.

[0017] FIG. 9 is an environmental perspective view illustrating the preassembled platform for the apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage on a conventional pallet for transporting the preassembled platform in a conventional shipping container.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures. An apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage according to the present invention may be utilized to park and store one or more vehicles, and in particular, one or more automobiles. By way of example and not limitation, the apparatus and system may be used by an individual or automobile collector to park and storage an automobile within a garage at a personal residence or a commercial storage facility. However, the broad concepts of the invention disclosed by this description of exemplary embodiments is not intended to be limited in any way by the manner or method in which the apparatus and system is used. In fact, an apparatus and system according to the broad concepts of the present invention can be used to raise and suspend or support not only a vehicle of any kind, but an item of any kind, above any surface. By way of example and not limitation, the apparatus and system could be used to raise a pallet, a package, a container or any like item to provide space, such as a workspace or additional storage area, beneath the item.

[0019] As described in further detail and shown herein, the invention is embodied by an apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus and system is configured and operable for vertical vehicle parking and storage of at least one vehicle above another vehicle, for example in a residential garage or a commercial storage facility. However, the apparatus and system may be modified to permit vertical vehicle parking and storage of more than two vehicles, and further, may be modified to include more than one apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage, for example, in a side-by-side configuration. Still further, it is not necessary for a vehicle to be parked and stored beneath a vehicle positioned on the apparatus and system. By way of example and not limitation, the space beneath the vehicle positioned on the apparatus and system may be a workspace or a space for any other use, or a storage area for any item. As used in the context of the present invention, the term “vertical vehicle parking and storage” is intended to mean that a first vehicle is positioned on a platform and raised sufficiently to provide a space beneath the platform supporting the first vehicle for a second vehicle to be parked and stored beneath the first vehicle, or alternatively, a space or area for any other purpose, use or item.

[0020] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows an apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The primary difference between the alternative embodiments is the overhead supporting structure provided for the apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus and system is supported by a free-standing overhead supporting structure, indicated generally by reference character 10, that is mounted onto a generally planar, horizontal surface, such as a floor F of a residential garage or commercial storage facility. The overhead supporting structure 10 may comprise a plurality of vertical support beams 11 and a plurality of horizontal (i.e., lengthwise and crosswise) support beams 12 connected together in a conventional manner. The structure 10 is free of electronics and can be easily and readily installed by local construction trades. By way of example only, FIG. 1 illustrates a first vehicle V1 positioned on the apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage and raised above a second vehicle V2 positioned on the floor F. In FIG. 2, the first and second vehicles V1, V2 are removed for purposes of clarity.

[0021] By contrast, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the apparatus and system is suspended from an overhead supporting structure, indicated generally by reference character 15, for example horizontal support beams 16 of a ceiling C of a residential garage or commercial facility. By way of example only, a first vehicle (not shown for purposes of clarity) may be positioned on the apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage and raised above a second vehicle (not shown for purposes of clarity) in the same manner as described and shown with reference to FIG. 1. The apparatus and system of the present invention can be easily and readily installed onto either overhead supporting structure 10 or 15, and therefore, will be described in greater detail hereinafter without reference to the structure 10 or 15, except as necessary for further explanation or clarity.

[0022] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show an exemplary embodiment of a preassembled platform, indicated generally by reference character 20, of the apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage according to the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates the preassembled platform 20 as installed onto the free-standing overhead supporting structure 10 shown and described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. As shown and described herein, the platform 20 is preassembled so as to be delivered as a stand-alone, self-contained unit for installation at an existing site with only minor on-site mechanical and electrical adjustments. As used herein, the term “existing site” is intended to mean an installation site for the preassembled platform 20 where the supporting structure, for example the overhead supporting structure 10 or 15 previously described, is constructed and ready to support the preassembled platform 20, for example by suspending the preassembled platform 20 from the supporting structure. The preassembled platform 20 being a stand-alone, self-contained unit significantly reduces the time, labor and cost of installation required at the existing site.

[0023] Consequently, the preassembled platform 20 for vertical vehicle parking and storage is particularly well-suited for installation at either a residential garage or a commercial storage facility. In addition, the compact design of the preassembled platform 20 (as will be described hereinafter) reduces the overall length and height required for a typical eighteen foot (18′) by eight and one-half foot (8.5′) parking envelope to provide efficient vertical vehicle parking and storage. The preassembled platform 20 is driven by a motor, for example an electric brake motor, designed to accommodate sport utility vehicles (SUVs), sedans, compact and sports cars weighing up to at least about 6,000 pounds. A platform drive assembly located within the unused space under the vehicle houses the motor, drive axle, control panel and associated electronics beneath a protective cover. A side rail assembly located on either side of the vehicle houses the necessary drive chain, locks, sensors and limit switches. The preassembled platform 20 is self-driven and operates independently since the platform drive assembly and the side rail assembly are both contained entirely within the preassembled platform 20. Further, each preassembled platform 20 is mechanically and electrically identical to provide more efficient and cost effective maintenance, diagnostics and repair.

[0024] As shown and described herein with reference to the exemplary embodiments, the preassembled platform 20 comprises a generally planar horizontal decking 22 for receiving a vehicle, such as the vehicle V1 illustrated in FIG. 1. Decking 22 may be configured in any manner suitable for receiving and supporting the vehicle on the preassembled platform 20. By way of example and not limitation, decking 22 may be configured as a series of lateral slats laid on an underlying carriage or lengthwise rails. A ramp 24 may be provided adjacent a first end 26 (FIG. 4) of the decking 22, also referred to herein as the “front” or “entrance” of the preassembled platform 20. Ramp 24 allows the vehicle to transition easily and smoothly onto the decking 22 of the preassembled platform 20. A platform drive assembly 30 is provided adjacent a second end 28 (FIG. 5) of the decking 22, also referred to herein as the “rear” of the preassembled platform 20. The various components and operation of the platform drive assembly 30 will be described in further detail hereinafter. A side rail assembly 40 is provided adjacent each lateral side of the decking 22. The components and operation of each side rail assembly 40 will be described in further detail hereinafter.

[0025] As shown and described herein with reference to exemplary embodiments, the platform drive assembly 30 comprises a motor 32, a drive axle 33 configured and operable to be driven by the motor 32, a control module or panel 34 and associated electronics. In one embodiment, the motor 32 may be an electric motor, such as an electric brake motor having a combination AC induction motor and an AC or DC electromagnetic brake mounted on the non-driven end of the motor. Any motor 32 capable of driving the drive axle 33 to raise and lower the preassembled platform 20 may be utilized without departing from the concept of the present invention. However, an electric motor is preferred for use with the preassembled platform 20 since a conventional hydraulic driven motor can leak and cause damage to a vehicle and a pneumatic driven motor is noisy and requires frequent adjustment and maintenance. Regardless, the motor 32 is mechanically and operably connected to the drive axle 33, for example via a drive chain and sprocket assembly 35, which is not shown in detail, but will be readily known and understood by those skilled in the art. The control panel 34 is electrically connected to the motor 32 and to an exterior control pendant 36 for operating the motor 32 via at least one plug-in wire harness 37. As shown herein, the control pendant 36 is mounted onto a side rail assembly 40 adjacent the front end 26 of the preassembled platform 20. The platform drive assembly 30 may further comprise one or more lengthwise extending cross beams 38 for providing strength and stiffness, as well as support for a protective cover 39.

[0026] As shown and described herein with reference to the exemplary embodiments, each side rail assembly 40 comprises a side rail 42, a removable cover 43 and a continuous chain 44. Side rail 42 is configured with a low-profile height, for example 5 inches or less, to allow a door of a vehicle having a low chassis, such as a sports car, to open and close without impacting the side rail 42. Removable cover 43 permits convenient access to the interior of the side rail assembly 40 for maintenance and repair. The side rail assembly 40 is shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 without the removable cover 43 for purposes of further explanation and clarity. The chain 44 is operably connected to the drive axle 33 of the platform drive assembly 30, for example by a drive sprocket 44A.

[0027] In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, the side rail assembly 40 further comprises a lock 45 at each corner of the preassembled platform 20. As best illustrated by FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, the chains 44 are secured, for example bolted, to the lengthwise horizontal beams 12 of the free-standing structure 10 such that the preassembled platform 20 is suspended from the free-standing structure 10. A U-shaped lock catch 45A is also secured, for example bolted, to the lengthwise horizontal beam 12 at each corner of the free-standing structure 10. Each lock 45 engages with, for example latches onto, a corresponding lock catch 45A at each corner of the free-standing structure 10 when the preassembled platform 20 is in a raised position shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6. By way of example and not limitation, the lock 45 may be pivotally mounted and biased in a latching configuration. The lock 45 may be retained in the latching configuration and released from the latching configuration by, for example, a slack sensor 45B affixed to the corresponding chain 44.

[0028] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the side rail assembly 40 further comprises a guide and lock rod 46 at each corner of the preassembled platform 20. As shown in FIG. 3, each chain 44 and each guide and lock rod 46 of the side rail assembly 40 is secured to a horizontal support beam 16 of the overhead structure 15. For example, the chain 44 and corresponding guide and lock rod 46 may be secured to a horizontal support beam 16, such as a conventional I-beam, with a conventional I-beam clamp 18, such that the preassembled platform 20 is suspended from the ceiling C of the overhead structure 15. Consequently, both the exemplary embodiment of the preassembled platform 20 illustrated by FIG. 3 and the exemplary embodiment of the preassembled platform 20 illustrated by FIGS. 1-2 and 4-6 may be referred to as a “suspended platform drive” or “SPD.” The guide and lock rods 46 serve to prevent, or at least to limit, back and forth movement (i.e., forward and rearward swaying) of the preassembled platform 20, in particular as the preassembled platform 20 moves between a lowered position, as illustrated in FIG. 3, to a raised position, as illustrated in FIG. 6 with reference to the exemplary embodiment previously described. A lock (not shown) may be provided within the side rail 42 that is operable for engaging the corresponding guide and lock rod 46 when the preassembled platform 20 is in the raised position.

[0029] Each side rail assembly 40 may further comprise various chain guides, chain driven and loop sprockets 47, chain upper and lower limit switches 48 and over length and over height position sensors 49, as necessary or desired. Regardless, an operator uses the control pendant 36 to signal the control module 34 to operate the motor 32. The motor 32 drives (i.e., turns) the drive axle 33 operably coupled to the drive sprocket 44A to drive the continuous chain 44 through the chain guides and the driven and loop sprockets 47 to raise or lower the preassembled platform 20 relative to the overhead supporting structure 10 or 15 in a manner readily understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art. Since the motor 32 is contained within the platform drive assembly 30 disposed entirely on the preassembled platform 20 and the continuous chain 44 is secured to the overhead supporting structure 10 or 15, the preassembled platform 20 is self-lifting.

[0030] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show an apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows the preassembled platform 20 previously described, except as expressly noted, supported on an elevating structure 17. As shown herein, the elevating structure 17 is configured and operable as a conventional scissors lift having a pair of pivotable scissor legs 18 mounted on a sliding and locking rail 19 secured to a horizontal surface, such as a floor F of a residential garage or commercial storage facility. As will be readily understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art, one of the scissor legs 18 is affixed to the rail 19, while the other of the scissor legs 18 is movable along the rail 19. The movable scissor leg 18 can be locked in a plurality of locking detents 19A along the length of the rail 19 between a lowered position and a raised position illustrated in FIG. 7 when driven by the motor 32 of the platform drive assembly 30 and the chain 44 of the side rail assembly 40 in the manner previously described. Accordingly, the locks 45 previously described with reference to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-2 and 4-6, as well as the guide and lock rods 46 previously described with reference to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 are eliminated.

[0031] As previously mentioned, a control pendant 36 is electrically connected to the control panel 34 for operating the motor 32. As shown herein with reference to each of the exemplary embodiments, the control pendant 36 is mounted onto a side rail 42 of the side rail assembly 40 adjacent the front end 26 of the preassembled platform 20. The control pendant 36 is mounted at one end of a pivotable pendant arm 36A. In an embodiment, the pendant arm 36A includes a spring-loaded lock configured and operable for retaining the control pendant 36 at a convenient location for an operator between a horizontal position, for example as shown in FIGS. 1-2, FIG. 3, FIG. 6 and FIGS. 7-8, and a vertical position, for example as shown in FIGS. 4-5. As such, the control pendant 36 is conveniently located in the horizontal position of the pendant arm 36A when the preassembled platform 20 is in the raised position, and the control pendant 36 is conveniently located in the vertical position of the pendant arm 36A when the preassembled platform 20 is in the lowered position.

[0032] FIG. 9 shows the preassembled platform 20 of the apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage packaged for efficient transportation and delivery to an installation site. As shown herein, a pair of preassembled platforms 20 are packaged together and positioned on a single conventional pallet P facing each other in an opposite end-to-end orientation. In this manner, the pair of the preassembled platforms 20 can be efficiently packaged on the pallet P in a space-saving, compact configuration. As such, at least three pallets P each having a pair of the preassembled platforms 20 can be transported within a single conventional shipping container SC.

[0033] Regardless of the foregoing description and illustration of various exemplary embodiments, the general structure, manner of use and operation of the apparatus and system of the present invention, as well as reasonable equivalents thereof, are deemed to be readily apparent and understood by those skilled in the art. It will be readily understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art that other suitable apparatus, systems and methods than those of the exemplary embodiments described and shown herein may be employed to provide a platform for vertical vehicle parking and storage that is preassembled for cost effective installation at an existing site according to the broad concepts of the present invention. Consequently, all such apparatus, systems and methods are to be considered equivalents of the present invention intended to be encompassed by the scope and broadest reasonable construction of the appended claims, the foregoing being considered as illustrative only of the general aspects, features, concepts and principles thereof. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the invention to the specific configurations, designs, constructions, materials, manners of use and operation shown and described.

Claims

1. An apparatus for vertical vehicle parking and storage comprising:a generally planar platform having a platform drive assembly and a side rail assembly on the platform;wherein the platform drive assembly comprises a motor and a drive axle;wherein the side rail assembly is operably coupled with the platform drive assembly and comprises a continuous chain that is driven by the motor and the drive axle to move the platform between a lowered position for receiving a vehicle and a raised position for parking and storing the vehicle.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the platform drive assembly further comprises a control panel and wherein a control pendant is electrically connected to the control panel to operate the motor to move the platform between the lowered position and the raised position.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the chain is secured to an overhead structure and the platform is suspended from the overhead structure by only the chain.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the overhead structure comprises vertical support beams and horizontal support beams attached to the vertical support beams, and wherein the chain is secured to a horizontal support beam to suspend the platform.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the side rail assembly further comprises a lock for retaining the platform in at least the raised position.

6. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the overhead structure comprises opposing support beams, and wherein the chain is secured to a support beam to suspend the platform.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the side rail assembly further comprises a lock for retaining the platform in the raised position.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the platform is supported on a scissors lift.

9. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control pendant is pivotally mounted on the side rail assembly and is moveable between a generally vertical position when the platform is in the lowered position and a generally horizontal position when the platform is in the raised position.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the platform is preassembled with the platform drive assembly and the side rail assembly on the platform for delivery and installation at an existing site.

11. A system for vertical vehicle parking and storage comprising:a preassembled platform having a platform drive assembly and a side rail assembly contained on a generally planar platform;wherein the platform drive assembly comprises an electric motor and a drive axle; andwherein the side rail assembly is operably coupled with the platform drive assembly and comprises a continuous chain that is driven by the electric motor and the drive axle to raise and lower the preassembled platform.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the preassembled platform is suspended from an overhead structure by only the chain.

13. The system according to claim 12, further comprising a lock for retaining the preassembled platform in at least a raised position.

14. The system according to claim 12, wherein the overhead structure comprises at least a pair of opposing support beams, and wherein the chain is secured to a support beam to suspend the preassembled platform from the overhead structure.

15. The system according to claim 11, further comprising a control panel and a control pendant electrically connected to the control panel to operate the electric motor to raise and lower the preassembled platform.

16. A generally planar platform having decking for receiving and supporting an item;a platform drive assembly comprising at least a motor and a drive axle;a side rail assembly comprising at least a continuous chain operably coupled to the drive axle of the platform drive assembly;wherein the motor of the platform drive assembly is contained on the platform such that the platform is self-lifting between a lowered position and a raised position.

17. The platform according to claim 16, wherein the platform is suspended from an overhead structure by only the chain.

18. The platform according to claim 17, wherein the overhead structure comprises a support beam and the chain is secured to the support beam.

19. The platform according to claim 16, further comprising a control panel and a control pendant electrically connected to the control panel to operate the motor to move the platform between the lowered position and the raised position.

20. The platform according to claim 17, wherein the motor of the platform drive assembly is an electric brake motor and the platform is not raised or lowered by a hydraulic driven motor or a pneumatic driven motor.

Images