GB2347942A - Multi - storey car park - Google Patents

Abstract

A dual spiral multi - storey car park comprising separate spiral ascending and descending traffic lanes with the spirals superposed in the form of a two - start helix (Fig 4) for optimal space utilisation. Vehicles are parked both sides of the traffic lane, and there are bridges SCR at various levels connecting the "up" and "down" spirals.

Description

MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK This invention relates to a form of multi-storey car park.

Multi-storey car parks have been built in urban environments in order to create storage for motor vehicles in confined locations. The dual spiral car park is a special type of car park intended to provide increased utilizatioh and optimization of available space. The design of the dual spiral car park : provides an efficient use of space for parking, * offers an easy flow of traffic and leaves sufficient space for maneuvering.

According to present invention, two spiral ramps are provided, one inside the other. One spiral ramp is used for vehicle ascent and the other for descent. The spiral ramps can be utilized for parking on both sides of the driving lanes. At each level, the spiral ramps are connected by a horizontal ramp or bridge that is used for changing the direction of travel from ascending to descending.

The combination of a dual spiral configuration, a layout with parking on both sides of the traffic lane and single file traffic ascending and descending increases the car parking space. The design allows greater use to be made of the interstitial space between floors and increases the utilization of the space occupied by traffic lanes.

A specific six floor embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying five drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic plan showing the configuration of one spiral within another and the position of the linking bridge or ramp.

Figure 2 provides a cross section S1-S1 (see Figure 1) showing how the interstitial space is used.

Figure 3 shows a cross section S2-S2 (see Figure 1) and provides a perpendicular view to Figure 2.

Figure 4 provides an isometric scheme of the invention and highlights the single file, ascending and descending lanes.

Figure 5 provides a legend and schematic abbreviations for the first four Figures.

Although the example shown is cylindrical, the dual spiral configuration and the surrounding envelope can be designed in a number of shapes through elongation and extension.

The example shown is six floors high but it can have any desired number of floors, providing that they are an even number. Floors can start from an underground level and continue to any number of floors above the ground.

However, the common denominator is that there has to be a combined even number of floors.

Ascenf Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the ascending spiral ramp (UP) comprises a traffic lane (TL) and two car parking zones (CPZ) on each side of the lane.

The dimensions of the Spiral Ramp UP (radii r1, r2, r3, r4) are a function of the dimensions of the parking spaces PP1 (a, b, c, d) and PP2 (e, f, g, h) and the width of the traffic lane, see Figure 1 as well.

Size of the parking space depends on the relevant national standards.

Ascending Spiral ramp (UP) commences from level LO and makes a complete rotation of 360 degrees up to the height h and continues upwards to form the levels L2, L4 and L6, i. e. an even number of floors.

Descend The description of the descending spiral ramp (DN) is the same as described in the ascent but in reverse order from L6 downwards.

Connectina Honzonta/Ramp (Bridqe) The ascending and descending ramps reach the same level i. e. half the height h, after 180 degrees of rotation and form levels L1, L3, L5, etc... the odd levels.

At each tee), (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6), there is a Connecting Horizontal Ramp or Bridge that is designed to connect the ascending and descending ramps at each floor (h/2) height, see Figures 2 & 3. The purpose of these ramps is to allow a change of direction for the vehicles ; frdh driving direction up-UP to driving down-DN.

PVC-Passengers'Vertical Communication Zone The Passengers'Vertical Communication Zone (PVC) provides necessary space for : -Public Staircases, -Public Lifts, -Public Toiles, etc,.

Claims (3)

1. CLAIMS 1. A dual spiral multi-storey car park comprising separate ascending and descending traffic lanes with one spiral inside the other and with an even number of floors. The car park car provides increased utilization and optimization of available space.
2. 2. A car park as claimed in Claim 1 wherein cars are parked on both sides of the traffic lane.
3. 3. A car park substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

   3. A car park as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2 in which there are connecting ramps or bridges at various levels in order to change the direction of travel downwards.

   4. A car park substantially as described in preceding claims herein with reference to Figures 1-5 of the accompanying drawings.

   Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS 1 A dual spiral multi-storey car park comprising separate ascending and descending spiral traffic lanes with one spiral inside the other, in the form of a two-start helix, both the ascending lane beginning, and the descending lane ending, at ground level, the car park having connecting ramps or bridges at a plurality of levels in order to change the upward/downward direction of travel, and the car park being of generally circular horizontal cross-section whereby to provide optimal utilisation of available space.

   2. A car park as claimed in claim 1 wherein cars are parked on both sides of the traffic lanes.