CA2105317C - Parking lot structure - Google Patents

Parking lot structure Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2105317C
CA2105317C CA 2105317 CA2105317A CA2105317C CA 2105317 C CA2105317 C CA 2105317C CA 2105317 CA2105317 CA 2105317 CA 2105317 A CA2105317 A CA 2105317A CA 2105317 C CA2105317 C CA 2105317C
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CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
floor
parking
ramp
parking structure
floors
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Expired - Lifetime
Application number
CA 2105317
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French (fr)
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CA2105317A1 (en
Inventor
Jack W. Chow
Roderick J. Chow
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to CA 2105317 priority Critical patent/CA2105317C/en
Publication of CA2105317A1 publication Critical patent/CA2105317A1/en
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    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04HBUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H6/00Buildings for parking cars, rolling-stock, aircraft, vessels or like vehicles, e.g. garages
    • E04H6/08Garages for many vehicles
    • E04H6/10Garages for many vehicles without mechanical means for shifting or lifting vehicles, e.g. with helically-arranged fixed ramps, with movable ramps

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Traffic Control Systems (AREA)

Abstract

A parking structure for vehicles comprising a plurality of substantially level parking floors having a plurality of parking spaces on each floor. A ramp system is provided for access between floors comprising ramp sections extending between adjacent floors arranged to define a continuous path from the bottom to the top floor within the parking structure that does not involve travelling among the parking spaces on each floor. The end of one ramp section is spaced apart from the start of the next ramp section at each floor to define an entrance to and an exit from the ramp system.

Description

2lU~~i~.rl PARKING LOT STRUCTURE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a parking structure fox parked cars.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Designing a parking structure involves fitting the maximum number of vehicles into as small a space as possible while still providing sufficient room for manoeuvring of vehicles and providing easy entry and exit from the structure.
Examples of prior art parking structures can be found in:
United States Patent 4,424,651 to Lee et al.;
United States Patent 3,440,781 to Lott et al.; and United States Patent 3,713,549 to Routhier Many modern parking structures are built as multi-story buildings having a sloped floor arrangement such that each floor acts as a ramp to the next higher floor.
The floors are sloped at a relatively low angle and marked with parking stalls to permit vehicles to park.
Other parking structure designs rely on alternating level floors with interconnecting 180° U-turn ramps to lower and higher floors at opposite ends of a floor. Both of these arrangementssuf,fer from t)ne drawback that a vehicle must travel past all stalls in the structure to reach a particular parking spot. While driving past all the stalls allows an opportunity to park in the first available empty spot, it also means that a vehicle moving through the parking structure j~s subject to delays by other vehicles parking or moving out of a parking stall.
Alternating ramps, split-levels and numerous 180 turns also tends to create blind spots for drivers and reduce overall visibility through the parking structure leading to security and safety problems. Sloped parking floors also make loading of vehicles difficult as shopping carts tend to roll away from the vehicle unless the carts are carefully positioned.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a parking structure that addresses the foregoing shortcomings of the prior art. The present invention provides a parking structure for vehicles comprising:
a plurality of substantially level parking floors;
a plurality of parking spaces on each floor; and at least one ramp system for access between floors comprising ramp sections extending between adjacent floors arranged to define a continuous path from a bottom floor to a top floor within the parking structure that does not involve travelling among the parking spaces on each floor, the end of one ramp section being spaced apart from the start of the next ramp section at each floor to define an entrance to and an exit from the ramp system, with an opening through the floor beneath each ramp section after the bottom floor.
The ramp system allows vehicles to drive directly to a floor having empty parking spaces and bypass filled parking stalls. In addition, the parking structure of the present invention is based on an open layout for maximum visibility so that a vehicle arriving at a floor can quickly determine whether all parking stalls are filled and move onto the next floor without wasting time or disrupting traffic flow by having to navigate through parked cars on filled floors. Flat, level floors have ~li~J~1'~
substantially corner to corner visibility and wheeled shopping carts remain in position on the level surface when loading a vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTTON OF THE DRAWINGS
Aspects of the invention are illustrated, merely by way of example, in the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic elevation view of the parking structure of the present invention; and Figure 2 is a sectioned perspective view of the ramp system of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a schematic elevation view of a parking structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Parking structure 2 comprises a plurality of substantially level parking floors 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 constructed on an open layout.
Preferably, the structure uses conventional reinforced concrete with a minimum of internal support columns 27 to improve visibility on a floor. Figure 1 shows a parking structure with five floors, however, it is apparent that a structure according to the present invention can be designed with two or more floors. In addition, the structure of the present invention can be used above ground and below ground.
Each floor is marked with a plurality of parking spaces that are laid out in a set pattern. Traffic movement on a particular floor is according to a set one-way pattern. Preferably, angle parking stalls are painted on the floor in a. conventional pattern. In addition, to assist a driver in locating his vehicle, ~:~~~~1~
each floor can be painted with a unique colour. Each parking stall is marked with a sequential number which is either unique to the parking structure or to a particular floor. The number is painted on the flooz and wall of the particular stall in a colour to correspond with the colour assigned to the floor. For larger sites, each floor can be divided into colour coded quadrants. For ease of identification, columns 27 would also be painted with a colour strip corresponding to the colour of the floor or colour quadrant. As a further aid, each floor would be identified by a unique and distinctive graphic symbol incorporating the floor level number. A
pedestrian access elevator (not shown) to the various levels would include a colour coded map to orient drivers returning to their vehicle on foot.
There is a ramp system, best illustrated in Figure 2, for vehicle access to the various floors. The ramp system comprises a series of ramp sections-16 extending through access openings 32 in adjacent floors. Ramp sections 16 are arranged to define a continuous path from the bottom to the top floor within the parking structure that does not involve travelling among the parking spaces on each floor. In a smaller parking structure as illustrated, ramp sections 16 are arranged in a central location in a single ramp system, however, in a larger structure, there may be several such ramp systems spread throughout the structure., Positioning of the ramp system is flexible according to the size and shape of the property or lot. Beneath each ramp section, an additional floor opening 33 can be formed through the' floor. Parking is not possible below ramp sections 16 and the unused space below the ramp sections is preferably used to provide improved visibility between floors through openings 33.

~~~J~~.7 Each access opening 32 and view opening 33 is surrounded by guard means for safety purposes.
Preferably, the guard means comprise a plurality of spaced steel cables 23 or rails extending between the support columns 27 adjacent openings 32 or 33 on three sides. The cables can be half inch diameter spaced at 6 inch intervals to a standard 42 inch height. The cables permit full visibility on each floor through the openings they surround. Plastic markers can be affixed to the steel sables to make drivers aware that the cables are in place about each access opening at all locations where drivers would approach the steel cables head on where unmarked cables might be difficult to see.
Each ramp section 16 is formed from reinforced concrete and extends between and is supported by conventional "T" beams. Alternatively, for thinner ramp floors, each ramp section 16 can comprise an essentially planar reinforced concrete slab that is supported by a plurality of tensioned cables 22 extending from the floor above. This arrangement in conjunction with the open layout of each floor serves to maximize visibility on a floor so that a dxiver navigating the ramp system can quickly inspect a floor for open parking spaces. If none are available, the driver can continue moving up the ramp system until a floor with open spaces is found and exit from the ramp system to that floor. This avoids driving through all the parking spaces while still permitting efficient searching for a parking spot. The ramp system provides quick access to any floor at any time for emergency or security vehicles which can travel directly to a floor and bypass intermediate floors.
Preferably, each ramp section 16 is dimensioned for two-way traffic. Directional arrows 25 are used to indicate travel directions for drivers. To ensure lane control on the ramp system, painted lines or a dividing .. ~liJ~~.~'"1 barrier 26 can be used. to define lanes. At the floor that cars access the parking structure, there is a device 29 to monitor usage of the parking structure and/or collect parking fees such as a ticket dispenser, time clock or access card reader. In the illustrated example, device 29 is located at floor 6 at street level. If the structure was built underground, the access would be at the floor 14.
At each floor, the end of one ramp section is spaced apart from the start of the next ramp section to define an entrance to and an exit from the ramp system at 20.
As shown in Figure 2, travel in entrance/exit area 20 is controlled by traffic islands 24. vehicles may enter the ramp system at any floor level to travel up or down the ramp system. There is preferably a signalling system using overhead display signs 35 at each floor level indicating whether a parking floor is filled and directing traffic to the next level as necessary. Signs 35 can also be used to indicate the direction of travel on a particular lane of the ramp system.
The extent of parking availability on each floor can be determined automatically by using sensors positioned in each parking stall. The sensors are connected to a central computer and report the presence or absence of a parked vehicle to the computer. The computer, in turn, communicates with signs 35. The computer processes the signals from the parking stalls and adjusts the message displayed on sign 35 appropriately. For example, when the computer is signalled by the sensors that all parking' stalls on a particular floor are filled, the computer would send a signal to the overhead signs for that floor to display a message such as "FLOOR FULL" and a direction arrow to direct traffic on the ramp system to other floors .

--. 2:1U~~:17 _,_ Depending on the overall length 28 of the parking structure, it is desirable for the ramp sections 16 at a floor to be aligned with each other such that there is a straight path through the parking structure which permits increased visibility in the parking structure at each level. In a parking structure with a relatively short overall length 28 and multiple floors, it will be necessary at some stage to introduce a turn in the ramp system as shown at 30 to permit further upward extension of the ramp system in the parking structure. As illustrated in Figure 2, turn 30 may be a 180 degree turn dimensioned to maintain an adequate turning radius for vehicles.
In order to ensure full visibility within the parking structure of the present invention, preferably' walls, ceilings and pillars would be painted white and high intensity full spectrum or white lighting would be used throughout.
The open layout of the structure and the level floors provides good visibility on each floor and makes it possible to position a minimal number of surveillance cameras on a floor and still obtain views of all floor areas. Security patrolling of the parking structure is also made easier by the open layout and direct access to any level provided by the ramp system. Visibility openings 33 allow security patrols a view of multiple floors from a single level.
The level floor and ramp system of the present invention make the structure very adaptable for special uses other than parking. Any floor can be temporarily or permanently closed off for special events use or use as a storage level or a reserved or valet parking level.
Traffic would be directed on the ramp system to the next level bypassing the closed off level. The stacked floor 21(~~t~~."~
_8__ arrangement makes it possible for additional floors to be added to the structure as needed when the parking structure is constructed above-ground.
Depending on the lay of the land at the parking structure site and surrounding street elevations, it is possible to have multiple entrances/exits to the parking structure at different levels. Each entrance/exit at a particular level would join the direct access ramp system.
It is also possible for ramp system traffic flow to be controlled based on the time of day. A parking structure could, in the morning or at event times, dedicate the ramp system to one-way traffic flow to handle traffic looking for parking spaces. In the evening, the ramp system could be dedicated to one-way traffic flow exiting to street level. In a parking structure having more than one ramp system, one ramp system can be dedicated to one-way traffic flow depending on the time of day, while the others ramp systems would always support two-way traffic. If a ramp system is dedicated to one-way traffic flow, dividing barrier 26 can be removed at each ramp entrance/exit area 20 to facilitate traffic flow.
The parking structure of the present invention permits quick and efficient parking of vehicles, hence the trade mark "Rapid Direct Park" is appropriate for identifying parking structures manufactured according to the present invention.
Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practised within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (15)

1. A parking structure for vehicles comprising:
a plurality of substantially level parking floors;
a plurality of parking spaces on each floor; and at least one ramp system for access between floors comprising ramp sections extending between adjacent floors arranged to define a continuous path from a bottom floor to a top floor within the parking structure that does not involve travelling among the parking spaces on each floor, the end of one ramp section being spaced apart from the start of the next ramp section at each floor to define an entrance to and an exit from the ramp system, with an opening through the floor beneath each ramp section after the bottom floor.
2. A parking structure as claimed in claim 1 in which the ramps sections are reinforced concrete slabs supported by columns.
3. A parking structure as claimed in claim 1 in which the ramp sections between floors are reinforced concrete slabs supported by a plurality of tensioned cables extending between each of the slabs and the floor above.
4. A parking structure as claimed in claim 1 in which each floor is constructed on an open plan layout with a minimum of structural pillars necessary to ensure structural integrity of the structure.
5. A parking structure as claimed in claim 1 in which the at least one ramp system is centrally located in the parking structure.
6. A parking structure as claimed in claim 1 in which multiple ramp systems are provided.
7. A parking structure as claimed in claim 6 in which at least one of the multiple ramp systems is used for upward movement between floors, at least one of the multiple ramp systems is used for downward movement between floors, and at least one of the multiple ramps systems is used for two-way movement of traffic.
8. A parking structure as claimed in claim 1 in which the ramp sections of a ramp system at a floor are aligned with each other.
9. A parking structure as claimed in claim 1 in which the ramp sections of a ramp system at a floor are arranged at 180 degrees to each other.
10. A parking structure as claimed in claim 1 in which the ramp sections are dimensioned to handle traffic in two directions simultaneously.
11. A parking structure as claimed in claim 10 in which the ramp sections are divided into two directions of travel by a barrier.
12. A parking structure as claimed in claim 1 including signal means at each floor to direct traffic flow past floors that are not available for parking.
13. A parking structure as claimed in claim 12 in which the signal means at each floor also indicate the direction of traffic flow on the ramp system.
14. A parking structure as claimed in claim 12 including sensor means in each parking space for detecting the presence or absence of a parked vehicle and generating a signal and processing means communicating with the sensor means for processing the signals from the sensor means, the processing means communicating with the signal means to display a message directing traffic past a floor when all parking spaces on a floor are filled.
15. A parking structure as claimed in claim 14 in which the signal processing means is a computer.
CA 2105317 1993-09-01 1993-09-01 Parking lot structure Expired - Lifetime CA2105317C (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2105317 CA2105317C (en) 1993-09-01 1993-09-01 Parking lot structure

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2105317 CA2105317C (en) 1993-09-01 1993-09-01 Parking lot structure

Publications (2)

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CA2105317A1 CA2105317A1 (en) 1995-03-02
CA2105317C true CA2105317C (en) 2004-11-23

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102400575A (en) * 2011-11-25 2012-04-04 苏州工业园区设计研究院股份有限公司 Multi-layer support bent frame system parking lot
RU2528812C1 (en) * 2013-06-07 2014-09-20 Виктор Петрович Новокрещенов Multi-storey garage for cars

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102400575A (en) * 2011-11-25 2012-04-04 苏州工业园区设计研究院股份有限公司 Multi-layer support bent frame system parking lot
CN102400575B (en) * 2011-11-25 2013-03-27 苏州工业园区设计研究院股份有限公司 Multi-layer support bent frame system parking lot
RU2528812C1 (en) * 2013-06-07 2014-09-20 Виктор Петрович Новокрещенов Multi-storey garage for cars

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CA2105317A1 (en) 1995-03-02

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