Preassembled Platform for Vertical Vehicle Parking and Storage

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

show an apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.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 ofand, the apparatus and system is supported by a free-standing overhead supporting structure, indicated generally by reference character, 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 structuremay comprise a plurality of vertical support beamsand a plurality of horizontal (i.e., lengthwise and crosswise) support beamsconnected together in a conventional manner. The structureis free of electronics and can be easily and readily installed by local construction trades. By way of example only,illustrates a first vehicle Vpositioned on the apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage and raised above a second vehicle Vpositioned on the floor F. In, the first and second vehicles V, Vare removed for purposes of clarity.

By contrast, in the embodiment of, the apparatus and system is suspended from an overhead supporting structure, indicated generally by reference character, for example horizontal support beamsof 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. The apparatus and system of the present invention can be easily and readily installed onto either overhead supporting structureor, and therefore, will be described in greater detail hereinafter without reference to the structureor, except as necessary for further explanation or clarity.

andshow an exemplary embodiment of a preassembled platform, indicated generally by reference character, of the apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage according to the present invention.illustrates the preassembled platformas installed onto the free-standing overhead supporting structureshown and described with reference toand. As shown and described herein, the platformis 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 platformwhere the supporting structure, for example the overhead supporting structureorpreviously described, is constructed and ready to support the preassembled platform, for example by suspending the preassembled platformfrom the supporting structure. The preassembled platformbeing a stand-alone, self-contained unit significantly reduces the time, labor and cost of installation required at the existing site.

Consequently, the preassembled platformfor 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(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 platformis 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 platformis self-driven and operates independently since the platform drive assembly and the side rail assembly are both contained entirely within the preassembled platform. Further, each preassembled platformis mechanically and electrically identical to provide more efficient and cost effective maintenance, diagnostics and repair.

As shown and described herein with reference to the exemplary embodiments, the preassembled platformcomprises a generally planar horizontal deckingfor receiving a vehicle, such as the vehicle Villustrated in. Deckingmay be configured in any manner suitable for receiving and supporting the vehicle on the preassembled platform. By way of example and not limitation, deckingmay be configured as a series of lateral slats laid on an underlying carriage or lengthwise rails. A rampmay be provided adjacent a first end() of the decking, also referred to herein as the “front” or “entrance” of the preassembled platform. Rampallows the vehicle to transition easily and smoothly onto the deckingof the preassembled platform. A platform drive assemblyis provided adjacent a second end() of the decking, also referred to herein as the “rear” of the preassembled platform. The various components and operation of the platform drive assemblywill be described in further detail hereinafter. A side rail assemblyis provided adjacent each lateral side of the decking. The components and operation of each side rail assemblywill be described in further detail hereinafter.

As shown and described herein with reference to exemplary embodiments, the platform drive assemblycomprises a motor, a drive axleconfigured and operable to be driven by the motor, a control module or paneland associated electronics. In one embodiment, the motormay 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 motorcapable of driving the drive axleto raise and lower the preassembled platformmay be utilized without departing from the concept of the present invention. However, an electric motor is preferred for use with the preassembled platformsince 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 motoris mechanically and operably connected to the drive axle, for example via a drive chain and sprocket assembly, which is not shown in detail, but will be readily known and understood by those skilled in the art. The control panelis electrically connected to the motorand to an exterior control pendantfor operating the motorvia at least one plug-in wire harness. As shown herein, the control pendantis mounted onto a side rail assemblyadjacent the front endof the preassembled platform. The platform drive assemblymay further comprise one or more lengthwise extending cross beamsfor providing strength and stiffness, as well as support for a protective cover.

As shown and described herein with reference to the exemplary embodiments, each side rail assemblycomprises a side rail, a removable coverand a continuous chain. Side railis 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. Removable coverpermits convenient access to the interior of the side rail assemblyfor maintenance and repair. The side rail assemblyis shown inandwithout the removable coverfor purposes of further explanation and clarity. The chainis operably connected to the drive axleof the platform drive assembly, for example by a drive sprocketA.

In the exemplary embodiment of, the side rail assemblyfurther comprises a lockat each corner of the preassembled platform. As best illustrated byand, the chainsare secured, for example bolted, to the lengthwise horizontal beamsof the free-standing structuresuch that the preassembled platformis suspended from the free-standing structure. A U-shaped lock catchA is also secured, for example bolted, to the lengthwise horizontal beamat each corner of the free-standing structure. Each lockengages with, for example latches onto, a corresponding lock catchA at each corner of the free-standing structurewhen the preassembled platformis in a raised position shown inand. By way of example and not limitation, the lockmay be pivotally mounted and biased in a latching configuration. The lockmay be retained in the latching configuration and released from the latching configuration by, for example, a slack sensorB affixed to the corresponding chain.

In the exemplary embodiment of, the side rail assemblyfurther comprises a guide and lock rodat each corner of the preassembled platform. As shown in, each chainand each guide and lock rodof the side rail assemblyis secured to a horizontal support beamof the overhead structure. For example, the chainand corresponding guide and lock rodmay be secured to a horizontal support beam, such as a conventional I-beam, with a conventional I-beam clamp, such that the preassembled platformis suspended from the ceiling C of the overhead structure. Consequently, both the exemplary embodiment of the preassembled platformillustrated byand the exemplary embodiment of the preassembled platformillustrated bymay be referred to as a “suspended platform drive” or “SPD.” The guide and lock rodsserve to prevent, or at least to limit, back and forth movement (i.e., forward and rearward swaying) of the preassembled platform, in particular as the preassembled platformmoves between a lowered position, as illustrated in, to a raised position, as illustrated inwith reference to the exemplary embodiment previously described. A lock (not shown) may be provided within the side railthat is operable for engaging the corresponding guide and lock rodwhen the preassembled platformis in the raised position.

Each side rail assemblymay further comprise various chain guides, chain driven and loop sprockets, chain upper and lower limit switchesand over length and over height position sensors, as necessary or desired. Regardless, an operator uses the control pendantto signal the control moduleto operate the motor. The motordrives (i.e., turns) the drive axleoperably coupled to the drive sprocketA to drive the continuous chainthrough the chain guides and the driven and loop sprocketsto raise or lower the preassembled platformrelative to the overhead supporting structureorin a manner readily understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art. Since the motoris contained within the platform drive assemblydisposed entirely on the preassembled platformand the continuous chainis secured to the overhead supporting structureor, the preassembled platformis self-lifting.

andshow an apparatus and system for vertical vehicle parking and storage according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.shows the preassembled platformpreviously described, except as expressly noted, supported on an elevating structure. As shown herein, the elevating structureis configured and operable as a conventional scissors lift having a pair of pivotable scissor legsmounted on a sliding and locking railsecured 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 legsis affixed to the rail, while the other of the scissor legsis movable along the rail. The movable scissor legcan be locked in a plurality of locking detentsA along the length of the railbetween a lowered position and a raised position illustrated inwhen driven by the motorof the platform drive assemblyand the chainof the side rail assemblyin the manner previously described. Accordingly, the lockspreviously described with reference to the exemplary embodiment of, as well as the guide and lock rodspreviously described with reference to the exemplary embodiment ofare eliminated.

As previously mentioned, a control pendantis electrically connected to the control panelfor operating the motor. As shown herein with reference to each of the exemplary embodiments, the control pendantis mounted onto a side railof the side rail assemblyadjacent the front endof the preassembled platform. The control pendantis mounted at one end of a pivotable pendant armA. In an embodiment, the pendant armA includes a spring-loaded lock configured and operable for retaining the control pendantat a convenient location for an operator between a horizontal position, for example as shown in,,and, and a vertical position, for example as shown in. As such, the control pendantis conveniently located in the horizontal position of the pendant armA when the preassembled platformis in the raised position, and the control pendantis conveniently located in the vertical position of the pendant armA when the preassembled platformis in the lowered position.

shows the preassembled platformof 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 platformsare 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 platformscan 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 platformscan be transported within a single conventional shipping container SC.

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.