GB2191469A

GB2191469A - Vehicle storage apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2191469A
Application number: GB08713092A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael John Saccaggi
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1986-06-07
Filing date: 1987-06-04
Publication date: 1987-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 2007-06-04
Also published as: GB8613909D0; GB8713092D0; GB2191469B

Abstract

The apparatus comprises a lined hole in the ground 10, and a carriage structure 36 mounted on a framework 24 for movement by hydraulic controlled line means between a first position where a vehicle may be driven onto the carriage structure, and a second position where the vehicle is suspended in the hole. A environment matching flat roof 52, supported by the carriage structure provides a sealing cover over the hole. The hole may be lined with pre-stressed concrete panels or steel. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Vehicle storage apparatus This invention relates to vehicle storage apparatus, particularly but not exclusively apparatus for storing or garaging a motor vehicle underground.

According to the present invention there is provided vehicle storage apparatus comprising means defining a cavity, carriage means arranged to be movably mounted therein, and lifting means for moving the carriage means between a first position wherein a vehicle can be located in the carriage means from externally of the cavity defining means, and a second position wherein the carriage means is located within the cavity defining means, with any vehicle thereon wholly within the cavity.

Preferably the carriage means includes a vehicle support and a cover so spaced apart that when the carriage means is in the second position the cover provides a closure for the apparatus. The spacing is preferably such that in the second position the carriage means is suspended within the cavity defining means.

The lifting means may comprise line means connected between the carriage means and drive means in the cavity defining means whereby operation of the drive means enables the line means to control movement of the carriage means between the first and second positions. The drive means may be an hydraulic ram.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a plan view of an apparatus according to the invention, with a cover removed; Fig. 2 is a sectional side view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1, along the line B-B of Fig. 3; Fig. 3 is a section end view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1, along the line A-A of Fig.

2; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of one part of the apparatus of Fig. 1; and Fig. 5 is a part cut-away perspective view of another part of the apparatus of Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings, a hole in the ground 10 is lined with a casing 12, preferably of concrete, comprising opposed side walls 14 and 16, opposed end walls 18 and 20, and floor 22. Mounted on the casing 12 is a framework 24 which for example is made of steel. The framework 24 (best shown in Fig. 4) includes four upright inwardly opening channel members 26 at locations defining the corners of a rectangular configuration, a respective pair of the channel members 26 being set into each side wall 14, 16 and each pair being interconnected at their lower ends by a longitudinal frame member 28. The channel members 26 towards the end wall 18 are interconnected at their lower ends by a transverse frame member 30.The frame members 28 are interconnected at a location substantially halfway along their length by a transverse support 32, and two longitudinally extending and transversely spaced apart members 34 extend between the frame member 30 and the support 32. The frame members 28, 30, 32 and 34 are set into the casing 12, the members 34 defining a space therebetween.

Slidably mounted in the channel members 26 of the framework 24 is a carriage structure 36 which includes two transversely extending, but longitudinally spaced apart, guide members 38 so arranged that each of their ends 40 slidingly fits in a respective one of the channel members 26. Mounted for support longitudinally across the guide members 38 are two laterally spaced wheel guides 42, suitably spaced to accommodate the wheels of a vehicle to be stored as hereinafter described. The wheel guides 42 are wider at first ends 44 to ease the task of aligning a car, and other ends 46 of the wheel guides each have an upwardly turned section 48 to stop a car moving past the ends 46.Upstandingly mounted on the respective transverse members 38 adjacent to the ends 40 and laterally outwardly of the wheel guides 42, are four upright members 50 which support a flat roof 52, an angular brace 54 being provided between each upright member 50 and the roof 52.

An hydraulic ram 56 is mounted on the framework 24 adjacent to the floor 22 of the casing 12 to extend longitudinally in the space between the two members 34. The ram 56 is connected to a series of wire ropes (not shown) each of which is led by way of members of the framework 24, and has its free end connected to the end 40 of a respective one of the guide members 38 of the carriage structure 36. Extension of the ram 56 moves the free ends of the ropes upwardly to raise the carriage structure 36, and retraction of the ram 56 enables the carriage structure to lower.

In use, when it is is required to garage a car in the assembly, the carriage structure 36 is raised by operation of the ram 56 to a position such that the ends 44 of the wheel guides 42 are level with the adjacent ground, the ends 44 being adjacent the end wall 20 of the casing 12. A car can then be driven onto the wheel guides 42 and the carriage structure 36 can lower by further actuation of the hydraulic ram 56, whereby to move the structure 36 with the car within the casing 12.

When it is required to remove the car from the assembly a similar method in reverse can be used, When the carriage structure 36 is in a "garaged" position as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings, the roof 52 provides a cover for the assembly overlying the top edges of the side and end walls 14-20. The ram 56 may be actuated using: a switch located near the assembly; a switch located in the car; remote sensing means that senses the arrival of the car; or any other suitable means.

The height of the upright members 50 is such that in the "garaged" position the structure 36 with the car is suspended, thereby enhancing the sealing effect and also making unauthorised displacement of the roof 52 more difficult. An additional seal may be provided around the edge of the roof 52 and/or the upper edge of the casing 12 to keep out rsin. The roof 52 may be coloured, decorated or surfaced in any way to match the surroundings. When the carriage structure 36 is in a raised position it may be used as a car port.

The invention thus provides a secure apparatus for parking a car that need not occupy any above ground space except when the car is being parked or driven away. The advantages will be apparent, for example the apparatus can be located in a garden where space does not allow for both a garden and a garage, or in a drive where there is no additional space for a garage. The casing 12 may be factory constructed and transported to a site, either as a whoie or in sections, although the casing could of course be formed on site.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the invention. For example the carriage structure may be raised and lowered by means other than described above, for example using purely mechanical means. If the assembly is to be located in sloping ground, the upper surface of the roof may be sloped accordingly. Different shaped wheel guides may be used, and the wheel guides may be adjustable to incorporate different sizes of vehicles.

In the described example the hole in the ground is lined with concrete which may be formed from pre-stressed concrete panels. Alternatively the hole may be provided with a fabricated steel lining.

Claims

1. Vehicle storage apparatus comprising means defining a cavity, carriage means arranged to be movably mounted therein, and lifting means for moving the carriage means between a first position wherein a vehicle can be located in the carriage means from externally of the cavity defining means, and a second position wherein the carriage means is located within the cavity defining means, with any vehicle thereon wholly within the cavity.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the carriage means includes a vehicle support and a cover so spaced apart that when the carriage means is in the second position the cover provides a closure for the apparatus.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, in which the spacing between the support and the cover is such that in the second position the carriage means is suspended within the cavity defining means.

4. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, in which the lifting means comprises line means connected between the carriage means and drive means in the cavity defining means whereby operation of the drive means enables the line means to control movement of the carriage means between the first and second positions.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, in which the drive means is an hydraulic ram.

6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the cavity is defined by a concrete liner.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, in which the liner is formed from pre stressed concrete panels.

8. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, in which the cavity is defined by a steel liner.

9. Apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 8 when dependant on claim 2, in which sealing means is provided, and said means being so shaped and located that when the carriage means is in the second position a sealed closure for the apparatus is provided by the cover.

10. Apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 9 when dependant on claim 2, in which the appearance of the cover is fabricated to match the surroundings of the apparatus.

11. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed in the foregoing specification or claims and/or shown in the drawings, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.