Modular parking system for VANS or cars, with herringbone spaces

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular structure (1 ) for the support of at least one raised floor for the realization of modular parking spaces (2), said modular parking spaces (2) comprising at least one parking surface (3) having a travel lane (4) having a longitudinal central axis (y) and at least two side stripings (5', 5") arranged opposite to each other with respect to said lane (4) and each delimited, longitudinally to the lane (4), by a perimeter edge (S', 8") and by a lane edge (9', 9") adjacent to said lane (4), each of said side stripings (5', 5") comprising a plurality of parking spaces (6), said modular structure (1) comprising a plurality of structural modules (10) adjacent to each other, each module (10) comprising a first perimeter column (?') and a second perimeter column (7"), respectively arranged on said perimeter edges (8', 8"), a lane column (12), arranged near the lane edge (9', 9"), said lane column (12) being aligned with said first perimeter column (?') and with said second perimeter column (7"), each module (10) further comprising a first beam (14) and a second beam (15), substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis (y) of said lane (4), said first beam (14) being arranged between said first perimeter column (7') and said lane column (12), said second beam (15) being arranged between said lane column (12) and said second perimeter column (7"), each module (10) being oriented opposite to an adjacent module, said modular structure (1 ) being characterized in that it comprises at least one secondary beam (16) inclined with respect to said longitudinal axis (y) and arranged between a lane column (12) of a module (10) and a first perimeter column (7') of an adjacent module (10) or a second perimeter column (7") of a module successive to an adjacent module (10).

Description

[0001] MODULAR PARKING SYSTEM FOR VANS OR CARS, WITH HERRINGBONE

[0002] SPACES

[0003] The present invention relates to a parking structure on one or more raised levels, optimized for herringbone parking, both for cars and vans.

[0004] It is known that, since 1990, different modular parking systems with one and later on several raised levels, designed to be installed above existing asphalt pavements, without the need for traditional foundations have been emerging and gradually establishing themselves on the market.

[0005] The columns of this type of modular prefabricated structures are mounted on steel bases simply resting on the pavement. These bases receive the concentrated loads of the columns and transmit pressures to the underlying pavement which, for design purposes, must be verified from time to time, by applying the principles of geotechnics (and the reference standards) compatible with the bearing capacity of the pavement in question. For convenience of reference, in the following of this description, this type of structure will be defined as ’’without foundations”.

[0006] The car park without foundations is set on a 5.0 x 5.0m structural grid. A 5.0 x 5.0m module can operate from both a lane C (5.0m long portion of a 5.0m wide lane) and a parking space (two 5.0 x 2.5m sized parking spaces). With this structural mesh, shown in figure 1 , each column receives the loads, permanent and accidental, collected by 25m2of slab for the internal columns, 12.5m2for the perimeter columns, 6.25 m2for the corner columns.

[0007] The structural mesh shown in plan in figure 1 , provides for the use, at the nodes P, of a steel column and base system, shown approximately in figure 2, where the steel base, suitably stiffened, has the function of distributing the load on the underlying pavement.

[0008] The steel base must necessarily have reduced dimensions (for example square with 0.6m side or circular with 0.65m diameter), so as not to hinder the circulation of cars and pedestrians.

[0009] The structural mesh of figure 1 makes it difficult for the driver to park, due to the considerable number of columns present on the lane.

[0010] Multi-level car parks with standard lane and parking space dimensions can in fact be more or less comfortable to use, both depending on the number and position of the columns that may be present on the lane edge (these columns being an obstacle to the manoeuvre for driving in / out the parking space), and depending on the angle between the lane and the parking space: the more this angle is reduced below 90 degrees, the easier the manoeuvre to drive in and out the parking space will be (figure 3).

[0011] The development of the design of the modular car parks without foundations, aimed at increasing the comfort of these structures, has been focused on construction systems adapted to reduce the number of columns on the lane, in an attempt to achieve a clear-span configuration shown in figure 4.

[0012] However, it is evident, as shown in figure 5, that, by keeping the pitch of the columns of figure 1 , (one column every two parking spaces), but by changing the angle between the lane and the parking space, for example from 90 to 45 degrees, an even greater benefit is obtained, in terms of comfort, than that obtained by completely eliminating the columns on the lane, but keeping the angle of 90 degrees.

[0013] However, considering a bin, that is, a lane with a row of parking spaces at 45 degrees on both sides, with an overall width of the bin equal to 14m, as depicted in figure 5, the portion of the raised floor that discharges on a generic lane edge column is approximately equal to 35sqm, therefore 1.4 times the portion of raised floor that discharges on a base plate column, as depicted in figure 2, in the structural mesh of figure 1 . Given the 40% increase in load (35 sqm versus 25 sqm), it will therefore be more difficult for the column and base plate system in figure 2 to be used for the generic column in figure 5. In other words, it will be unlikely to be able to realize the structure of figure 5 without foundations.

[0014] In summary, the greater weight lying on the columns is problematic for the purpose of realizing the structure of figure 5 without foundations.

[0015] A standard way of bracing the structure of figure 1 is shown in figure 6. A further problem is depicted by the impossibility of bracing the structure of figure 5 in a manner similar to that shown in figure 6 for the structure of figure 1 . In fact, the braces would cross the parking space making it impossible to use them.

[0016] Figure 7 depicts the carpentry corresponding to the arrangement of the columns in figure 5. In order to brace this structure, columns and diagonal beams could be inserted as depicted in figure 8a.

[0017] The bracing of this structure, according to the shape known as ’’kappa bracing”, which in our case is not bothering the opening of the car door, is depicted in figure 8b.

[0018] Therefore, in the specific sector, there is a need for a structural system that is capable, for parking configurations with herringbone parking spaces, of reducing the load transmitted from the individual columns to the underlying pavement, so that it is compatible with the absence of traditional foundations.

[0019] This need is met by the system according to the present invention which also offers further advantages which will become clear hereinafter.

[0020] Aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a modular parking system that allows to overcome the limits of the systems according to the known technology and to obtain the technical results previously described.

[0021] A further aim of the invention is that said system can be realized with substantially low costs, both with regard to production costs and with regard to management costs.

[0022] Yet another aim of the invention is to propose a system that is simple, safe and reliable.

[0023] Therefore, a specific object of the present invention is a modular structure for the support of at least one raised floor for the realization of modular parking spaces, said modular parking spaces comprising at least one parking surface having a travel lane having a longitudinal central axis and at least two side stripings arranged opposite to each other with respect to said lane and each delimited, longitudinally to the lane, by a perimeter edge and by a lane edge adjacent to said lane, each of said side stripings comprising a plurality of parking spaces, said modular structure comprising a plurality of structural modules adjacent to each other, each module comprising a first perimeter column and a second perimeter column, respectively arranged on said perimeter edges, a lane column, arranged near the lane edge, said lane column being aligned with said first perimeter column and with said second perimeter column, each module further comprising a first beam and a second beam, substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of said lane, said first beam being arranged between said first perimeter column and said lane column, said second beam being arranged between said lane column and said second perimeter column, each module, by moving in the direction of the lane, being oriented opposite to an adjacent module, said modular structure being characterized in that it comprises at least one secondary beam inclined with respect to said longitudinal axis and arranged between a lane column of a module and a first perimeter column of an adjacent module or a second perimeter column of a module successive to an adjacent module.

[0024] In addition, according to the present invention, said modular structure may comprise at least four adjacent modules, respectively a first module, a second module, a third module and a fourth module; a first secondary beam arranged between the lane column of the first module and the second perimeter column of the third module and a second secondary beam arranged between the lane column of the second module and the second perimeter column of the fourth module.

[0025] In particular, according to the present invention, said secondary beam can be arranged between the lane column of each module and the first perimeter column of the adjacent module or the second perimeter column of the module successive to the adjacent module.

[0026] Still, according to the present invention, the parking spaces of said plurality of parking spaces may be like a herringbone.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the angle between said lane and each parking space may be an angle comprised between 40 degrees and 65 degrees.

[0028] Preferably, according to the present invention, each column may comprise a base.

[0029] In particular, according to the present invention, each column may comprise a load distribution and transmission system comprising a plurality of bases.

[0030] The present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting illustration, according to the preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0031] - figures 1 -8b, 11 -12 and 14-15 show schemes of the realization of modular car parks according to the prior art;

[0032] - figures 9 and 10 show a modular parking scheme according to a first embodiment of the present invention for parking spaces arranged at 45 degrees,

[0033] - figure 13 shows a modular parking scheme according to a first embodiment of the present invention for parking spaces arranged at 60 degrees, - figure 16 shows a modular parking scheme for 6.0mx3.0m-sized spaces arranged at 45 degrees, i.e. for vans, according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

[0034] - figures 17-18 show a column comprising a load distribution and transmission system with a plurality of bases,

[0035] - figures 19 and 20 show a modular parking scheme for vans according to a second embodiment of the present invention,

[0036] - figure 21 shows a modular parking scheme according to a third embodiment of the present invention,

[0037] - figure 22 shows a modular parking scheme according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention,

[0038] - figure 23 shows a modular parking scheme according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and

[0039] - figure 24 shows a modular parking scheme according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Referring to figures 9 and 10, according to the present invention, a modular parking is indicated by reference numeral 2.

[0041] Said modular parking 2 comprises a plurality of side-by-side modular structures 1 (according to the configuration that will be described below), which delimit a parking surface 3 with a central travel lane 4 with a longitudinal central axis y, a first side striping 5’ and a second side striping 5”, arranged opposite each other with respect to said lane 4, and two further first and second side striping 5’ and 5”, respectively belonging to a second and a third parking surface (not shown, obtainable by means of as many modular structures 1 according to the present invention) adjacent respectively to said second side striping 5” and to said first side striping 5’ transversely to said longitudinal axis y.

[0042] Said first side striping 5’ and said second side striping 5” are delimited, longitudinally to the lane 4, by a respective perimeter edge 8’, 8” to said parking surface 3 and by a respective lane edge 9’, 9” adjacent to said lane 4.

[0043] Furthermore, said first side striping 5’ and said second side striping 5” comprise a plurality of parking spaces 6 arranged like a herringbone and accessible at least from said lane 4.

[0044] In addition, in a modular car park 2 a parking surface or more surfaces can be provided side by side and adjacent transversely to said longitudinal axis y. A first embodiment of a modular structure 1 according to the present invention is shown in figure 10. In particular, said modular structure 1 comprises seven adjacent modules 10.

[0045] In particular, referring to the first module 10 at the top in figure 10, a module 10 comprises a first perimeter column 7’ and a second perimeter column 7”, respectively arranged on the perimeter edges 8’ or 8”.

[0046] In addition, the module 10 comprises a lane column 12, arranged near the lane edge 9” of the second side striping 5”.

[0047] In particular, said lane column 12 is aligned with said first perimeter column 7’ and with said second perimeter column 7”.

[0048] The module 10 further comprises a first beam 14 and a second beam 15, substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis y of the lane 4. In particular, the first beam 14 is arranged between the first perimeter column 7’ and the lane column 12 of the module 10 itself, and the second beam 15 is arranged between the lane column 12 and the second perimeter column 7” of the module 10 itself. Consequently, the first beam 14 covers both the first side striping 5’ and the lane 4 while the second beam 15 covers only the second side striping 5”.

[0049] Furthermore, always referring to the embodiment shown in figure 10, each module 10 is oriented in the opposite direction with respect to the adjacent module. In particular, referring to the second module 10 proceeding from above in figure 10, the second perimeter column 7” is arranged on the perimeter edge 8’ while the first perimeter column 7’ is arranged on the perimeter edge 8”, the lane column 12 being arranged near the lane edge 9’ of the first side striping 5’, the first beam 14 being always arranged between the first perimeter column 7’ and the lane column 12 and the second beam 15 being arranged between the lane column 12 and the second perimeter column 7”.

[0050] Furthermore, figure 10 shows, a plurality of secondary beams 16, arranged inclined with respect to said longitudinal axis y of the lane 4 between each lane column 12 of a module 10 and the first perimeter column 7’ of an adjacent module 10.

[0051] The problem of bracing can therefore be solved by inserting said secondary beams 16.

[0052] In the carpentry of figure 10, the columns at the bottom of the parking space 6, that is, said first perimeter column 7’ and said second perimeter column 7” and the lane column 12, receive a portion of raised slab equal to 24.5 sqm, therefore similar to that received by the generic column of the structure of figure 1. Therefore, the load reduction for the lane column 12 in the transition from the carpentry of figure 8 to the carpentry of figure 10, is approximately equal to 30%.

[0053] It is therefore possible to use the carpentry of figure 10 to realize modular car parks without foundations with parking spaces arranged at 45 degrees, which will be, despite the presence of columns on the lane to the extent of one for every two parking spaces, much more convenient to use than any structure that uses right-angled spaces.

[0054] The carpentry of figure 10, moreover, has a weight equal to 80% of the weight of the carpentry of figure 8, allowing both economic and environmental savings.

[0055] Figure 11 depicts a portion of car park with parking spaces arranged at 60 degrees made according to a scheme of prior art. If there is no advantage, for a given area, to using the 14.0m wide bins made possible by the 45-degree angle, it is possible to use the 60-degree arrangement of the spaces, which is 20% more efficient in terms of number of parking spaces, as shown in figure 12.

[0056] In addition, the lane columns 12 of the structural mesh of figure 11 receive from each floor of the elevated structure a surface of 28.5 sqm, therefore less than the surface of 35 sqm considered for the arrangement of the spaces at 45 degrees. Therefore, already according to an embodiment of known art, the configuration of the parking spaces inclined by 60 degrees with respect to the lane, lends itself better to being realized without foundations thanks to the smaller dimensions of the slab portion that discharges on the generic column compared to a 45-degree configuration. Figure 13 shows the same arrangement as the parking spaces of figure 11 (angle 60), using the distribution scheme of beams and columns according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to figure 13, the modular structure 1 comprises seven modules 10 according to the present invention.

[0057] By using the structural mesh and carpentry of figure 13 for the 60-degree herringbone arrangement, both the portion of the surface received by a single column and the weight of the carpentry are lowered by about 25% compared to what is obtained using the mesh of figure 11 which reflects the prior art. The slab portion lying on a single column will therefore be equal to about 21.5 sqm, therefore less than that received by the generic column of the prior-art scheme shown in figure 1 .

[0058] In the case of the 60-degree configuration using the scheme of figure 13 according to the present invention, an improvement is even obtained compared to the scheme of figure 1 , in order to realize such a structure without traditional foundations (21 .5 sqm < 25 sqm).

[0059] Figure 14 depicts the arrangement of the columns for a van park with 6mx3.0m-sized van spaces arranged at 45 degrees and 16.0m bin made according to the prior art.

[0060] Figure 15 depicts the carpentry according to the prior art relating to the distribution scheme of the columns of figure 14. In this configuration, a portion of surface equal to 49.9 sqm for each raised level lies on a generic lane column.

[0061] With the distribution of columns and carpentry of figure 16, made according to the present invention, the surface that lies on the generic lane column drops, similar to what was seen for the arrangement of the cars at 45 degrees, i.e. in the transition from the scheme of figure 8 to the scheme of figure 10, by about 30%, from 49.9 sqm to 33.9 sqm.

[0062] However, this surface is still high (+36%) if compared to the 25 sqm of the mesh in figure 1 .

[0063] In International Patent Application No. PCT / IT2024 / 000010 a type of column has been introduced which comprises a load distribution and transmission system having a plurality of bases, for example of steel, below the same column. Two typical embodiments are shown in figures 17 and 18.

[0064] Figure 19 uses the column comprising the load distribution and transmission system of figure 17 instead of the single column of figure 2 for the van park of figure 16.

[0065] The load for each of the two bases on which the column of figure 17 rests will then be 33.9 / 2 = 16.95sqm, therefore even lower than the load corresponding to the surface of 25 sqm that, generally, is applied to the column of figure 2bis.

[0066] Indeed, said load distribution and transmission system works particularly well, in combination with the carpentry shown in figures 10, 13 and 16, to obtain a high level of comfort of use, and at the same time allow the realization of modular parking structures without foundations even in the presence of poor pavements and / or terrain, where even the system of figure 1 would not be usable. In the embodiment shown in figure 20, in order to accommodate the multiple base shown in figure 18 at the bottom of the parking space without impairing the normal opening of the van driver’s door, it is appropriate to translate the two rows of ’’interlocked” parking spaces between them.

[0067] Referring to the embodiment shown in figure 20, therefore, said plurality of herringbone parking spaces 6 arranged in said first side striping 5’ and in said second side striping 5” are translated twice (orthogonal direction and direction parallel to the lane, as shown in figure 20) with respect to the parking spaces of said further first and second side stripings 5’, 5”, respectively belonging to a second and a third parking surface (not shown, obtainable by means of as many modular structures 1 according to the present invention) adjacent respectively to said second side striping 5” and to said first side striping 5’ transversely to said longitudinal axis y.

[0068] In this way, a housing 51 or space of rectangular shape is created between said first side striping 5’ or said second side striping 5” and said respective further second side striping 5” or said respective first side striping 5’.

[0069] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in figure 20, said modular structure 1 comprises seven adjacent modules 10.

[0070] In particular, in said embodiment, said first perimeter column 7’, said second perimeter column 7” and said lane column 12 are columns with a load distribution and transmission system with three bases or three plates, as shown in figure 18.

[0071] In said embodiment, said first perimeter column 7’ and said second perimeter column 7”, i.e. the columns at the bottom of the parking space 6, are housed inside each housing 51 or rectangular ’’service” space that has been created as a result of the partial alignment of said first or second side stripings 5’, 5” with said further second or first side stripings 5”, 5’. In this way, the column assembly is all external with respect to the parking spaces and does not conflict with the opening of the front doors.

[0072] On the lane edge, on the other hand, said lane columns 12 are positioned on the free portion of the flank of the parking space 6, without causing discomfort to the manoeuvre of driving in and out of the parking space and opening the rear doors.

[0073] Each base in this configuration discharges to the ground 24.5 / 3 = 8.2 sqm of parking surface area for each raised floor, thus allowing:

[0074] - the realization of several raised floors, (weight discharged on the ground from a single base or plate equal to 30% than that discharged from the structural mesh of figure 1 using the standard column of figure 2a), or alternatively:

[0075] - the installation of the raised single-level car park on very poor terrain (weight discharged to the ground from a single base or plate equal to 30% than that discharged from the structural mesh of figure 1 using the standard column of figure 2a).

[0076] Figure 21 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] In particular, the modular structure 1 comprises three groups composed of three adjacent modules 10', 10", 10'", respectively a first module 10', a second module 10" and a third module 10"'. Furthermore, in said embodiment, each group comprises a secondary beam 16 arranged between the first perimeter column 7’ of the first module 10' and the lane column 12 of the second module 10".

[0078] The configuration of figure 21 can be usefully used in weakly seismic areas, where bracing on all columns is not necessary. The lower the seismicity of the area where the car park is installed, the more it will be possible to reduce the number of braced columns and therefore of the secondary beams 16.

[0079] A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in figure 22. In particular, according to this embodiment, said plurality of secondary beams 16 are arranged between the lane column 12 of each module 10 and the second perimeter column 7” of the module successive to the adjacent module 10.

[0080] The benefit of the embodiment shown in figure 22 is evident by comparing this system with the system shown in figure 19. In fact, in the case of the system shown in figure 22 for the same 45-degree distribution of the parking spaces of the embodiment shown in figure 19, there is a double number of columns, which will discharge to the ground a load equal to half of the load discharged by the columns of the system shown in figure 19. A configuration of this kind therefore has a benefit similar to but greater than that of the configuration shown in figure 20, increasing the number of columns rather than the number of bases under each column from two to three.

[0081] Figure 23 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the modular structure 1 comprises three groups composed of four adjacent modules 10', 10", 10"', 10iv, respectively a first module 10', a second module 10", a third module 10'" and a fourth module 10ivFurthermore, in said embodiment, said modular structure 1 comprises a first secondary beam 16 arranged between the lane column 12 of the first module 10' and the second perimeter column 7” of the third module 10'" and a second secondary beam 16 arranged between the lane column 12 of the second module 10" and the second perimeter column 7” of the fourth module 10iv

[0082] The benefits of the embodiment shown in figure 23 over the embodiment shown in figure 22 are the same as those listed for comparison between the embodiment shown in figure 21 and the embodiment shown in figure 19. In fact, in weak or non-seismic areas it is pointless to arrange braces (and therefore the secondary beams 16) in all available positions.

[0083] Figure 24 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In particular, in this embodiment bracing is further thinned. The modular structure 1 comprises two groups composed of four adjacent modules 10', 10" 10"', 10iv, respectively a first module 10', a second module 10", a third module 10'" and a fourth module 10ivFurthermore, in said embodiment, each group comprises a first secondary beam 16 arranged between the lane column 12 of the first module 10' and the second perimeter column 7” of the third module 10'" and a second secondary beam 16 arranged between the lane column 12 of the second module 10" and the second perimeter column 7” of the fourth module 10ivFurthermore, in said embodiment said two groups are spaced apart by four modules 10.

[0084] The present invention was described by way of non-limiting illustration, according to preferred embodiments thereof, but it is to be understood that variations and / or modifications may be introduced by the person skilled in the art without going outside the scope of protection hereof, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 ) Modular structure (1 ) for the support of at least one raised floor for the realization of modular parking spaces (2), said modular parking spaces (2) comprising at least one parking surface (3) having a travel lane (4) having a longitudinal central axis (y) and at least two side stripings (5’, 5”) arranged opposite to each other with respect to said lane (4) and each delimited, longitudinally to the lane (4), by a perimeter edge (8’, 8”) and by a lane edge (9’, 9”) adjacent to said lane (4), each of said side stripings (5’ ,5”) comprising a plurality of parking spaces (6), said modular structure (1) comprising a plurality of structural modules (10) adjacent to each other, each module (10) comprising a first perimeter column (7’) and a second perimeter column (7”), respectively arranged on said perimeter edges (8’, 8”), a lane column (12), arranged near the lane edge (9’, 9”), said lane column (12) being aligned with said first perimeter column (7’) and with said second perimeter column (7”), each module (10) further comprising a first beam (14) and a second beam (15), substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis (y) of said lane (4), said first beam (14) being arranged between said first perimeter column (7’) and said lane column (12), said second beam (15) being arranged between said lane column (12) and said second perimeter column (7”), each module (10) being oriented opposite to an adjacent module, said modular structure (1 ) being characterized in that it comprises at least one secondary beam (16) inclined with respect to said longitudinal axis (y) and arranged between a lane column (12) of a module (10) and a first perimeter column (7’) of an adjacent module (10) or a second perimeter column (7”) of a module successive to an adjacent module (10).2) Modular structure (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least four adjacent modules (10', 10", 10"', 10iv), respectively a first module (10'), a second module (10"), a third module (1 O'") and a fourth module (10iv); a first secondary beam (16) arranged between the lane column (12) of the first module (10') and the second perimeter column (7”) of the third module (1 O'") and a second secondary beam (16) arranged between the lane column (12) of the second module (10") and the second perimeter column (7”) of the fourth module (10iv).3) Modular structure (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that saidsecondary beam (16) is arranged between the lane column (12) of each module (10) and the first perimeter column (7’) of the adjacent module (10) or the second perimeter column (7”) of the module successive to the adjacent module (10).4) Modular structure (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the parking spaces (6) of said plurality of parking spaces are arranged like a herringbone.5) Modular structure (1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the angle between said lane (4) and each parking space (6) is an angle comprised between 40 degrees and 65 degrees.6) Modular structure (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each column (7’, 7”, 12) comprises a base.7) Modular structure (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each column (7’, 7”, 12) comprises a load distribution and transmission system comprising a plurality of bases.

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