GB2457907A

GB2457907A - Raised car parking platform

Info

Publication number: GB2457907A
Application number: GB0803609A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian Mackenzie
Original assignee: Portasilo Ltd
Current assignee: Portasilo Ltd
Priority date: 2008-02-28
Filing date: 2008-02-28
Publication date: 2009-09-02
Also published as: GB0803609D0

Abstract

A support apparatus 10 for vehicles, such as a multi story car park, including a platform 12, a plurality of support members for supporting the platform above a ground surface, including a plurality of peripheral support members 20, each of which supports a peripheral region of the platform 12, and at least one intermediate support member 21 positioned inwardly of the peripheral support members 20, to support an inner region of the platform 12; wherein the support apparatus 10 includes a bracing member 25 which is connected at a first end to the intermediate support member 21, and at a second end is connected to another part of the support apparatus 10. Also disclosed is a deformable connection member (50, fig.7), or bracket, to support a baffler (60,61, fig.7) around the edge of the raised platform 12.

Description

Title: Support Apparatus for Vehicles

Description of Invention

This invention relates to a support apparatus for vehicles. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a support apparatus for supporting a plurality of vehicles above a ground surface, e.g. what is commonly referred to as a "car park".

It should be appreciated, however, that although the invention has been devised for use as a "car park", the support apparatus in accordance with this invention could be used in many other situations, as will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, e.g. where it is desired to support something, e.g. a portable building or the like, above a ground surface.

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a support apparatus for vehicles including:-a platform; a plurality of support members for supporting the platform above a ground surface, including:-a plurality of peripheral support members, each of which supports a peripheral region of the platform; and at least one intermediate support member positioned inwardly of the peripheral support members, the intermediate support member supporting an intermediate region of the platform; wherein the support apparatus includes a bracing member which is connected at a first end to the intermediate support member between a top and a bottom end thereof, and at a second end is connected to another part of the support apparatus.

The support apparatus may include a plurality of intermediate support members and a plurality of bracing members, each intermediate support member being connected to another part of the support apparatus by a respective bracing member.

The another part of the support apparatus to which the second end of the bracing member is connected may be one of the peripheral support members.

The second end of the bracing member may be connected to an adjacent peripheral support member.

The second end of the bracing member may be connected to an upper part of the peripheral support member.

The another part of the support apparatus to which the second end of the bracing member is connected may be the platform.

The second end of the bracing member may be connected to an underside of the platform.

The another part of the support apparatus to which the second end of the bracing member is connected may be a frame structure which supports the platform.

The another part of the support apparatus to which the second end of the bracing member is connected may be an adjacent intermediate support member.

The second end of the bracing member may be connected to an upper part of an adjacent intermediate support member.

The connection of the first end of the bracing member to the intermediate support member may be positioned closer to a top end of the intermediate support member than it is positioned to a bottom end of the intermediate member.

The connection of the first end of the bracing member to the intermediate support member may be positioned substantially one third of the way along the intermediate support member from its top end.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a connection member for connecting a barrier member to a support apparatus for vehicles, including:-a first connection portion for connection to a support apparatus; and a second connection portion for connection to a barrier member, wherein the first connection portion is configured for connection to a periphery of the support apparatus.

The first connection portion may be configured for connection to a peripheral wall of a platform of the support apparatus.

The first connection portion may be configured for connection to a frame structure which supports the platform of the support apparatus.

The first connection portion may be configured for connection to an outwardly facing portion of the platform or frame structure supporting the platform.

The connection member may be configured such that, in the event of an impact to the barrier, the connection member deforms in preference to the barrier or the part of the support structure to which the connection member is connected.

According to a third aspect of the invention we provide a support apparatus for vehicles according to the first aspect of the invention including at least one barrier member which is connected thereto by at least one connection member in accordance with the second aspect of the invention.

Examples of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:-Figure 1 is a perspective view of a support apparatus for vehicles in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the support apparatus of figure 1; Figure 3 is a yet further perspective view of the support apparatus of figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a component part of the apparatus of figure 1; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a connection member in accordance with the second aspect of the invention; Figure 6 is a side view of the connection member of figure 5 connected the support apparatus of figure 1; Figure 7 is a side view of the connection member of figure 6 after an impact; Figures 8 to 10 show perspective, side and rear views of a second embodiment of connection member in accordance with the second aspect of the invention; and Figures 11 to 13 show perspective, side and rear views of a third embodiment of connection member in accordance with the second aspect of the invention. ) 5

Referring to figures 1 to 3 there is shown an apparatus 10 in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. The apparatus 10 is manufactured for rust resistant materials, which in this example is galvanised steel. Of course, any other appropriate material could be used.

The apparatus 10 includes a platform 12 for supporting vehicles (not shown), which is supported above a ground surface by a plurality of support members or support columns 20, 21. As can be seen from figure 2, the platform 12 is supported by a frame structure 16 which includes four peripheral frame members 17 connected to form a rectangle in plan view, and intermediate strengthening frame members 18.

The frame structure 16 is supported above the ground surface by a plurality of peripheral support members 20, which are connected to the frame members 17, and a plurality of intermediate support members 21, which are spaced inwardly of the peripheral support members 20. The platform 12 is supported by and connected to an upper side of the frame structure 16. The peripheral support members 20 thus support a peripheral region of the platform 12, and the intermediate support members 21 support an intermediate region of the platform 12.

A bottom end of each support member 20, 21 is connected to a height adjusting device 30 (see figure 4). The height adjusting device 30 allows for adjustment of the effective length of each support member 20, 21, so that the apparatus 10 can be positioned on a non-level (e.g. sloping or undulating) ground surface whilst permitting the platform 12 to be substantially horizontal in use. The device 30 includes a rectangular foot plate 31, for engaging the ground surface. Connected to an upper surface of the foot plate 31 is a pair of C-shaped (in plan view) formations 32 which are spaced from each other and define a space to receive a leg part 35. ) 6

The leg part 35 is substantially I-shaped in plan view -it is comprised of a pair of elongate components, each of which is substantially C-shaped in cross-section. The C-shaped components are connected back-to-back such that there is a space therebetween to receive the bottom end of the support member 20, 21. The leg 35 has at its lowermost end its own foot plate 34, which is shaped so as to fit between the C-shaped formations 32. A central portion of the leg part 35 includes a row of a plurality of apertures 36, each of which extends transversely through the leg 35. The row of apertures 36 extend upwardly away from the foot plate 34. Eleven apertures 36 are shown in this example, although any appropriate number could be used. A greater number of apertures provides for greater adjustment of the effective length of each support member 20, 21.

The bottom end of the support member 20, 21 is also I-shaped in plan view and includes a row of three apertures 37, each of which extends transversely through the support member 20, 21. The row of apertures 37 extend upwardly away from the from the bottom end of the support member. Wedge-shaped members (not shown) may be positioned beneath the foot plate 34, in the recess defined by the formations 32, to provide for tilting of the foot plate 31 relative to the leg 35. This is useful if the ground surface beneath the foot plate 31 is not horizontal.

It should be appreciated that although the example shown in the figures includes a frame structure 16 acting as an intermediary between the support members 20, 21 and the platform 12, the frame structure 16 is not an essential element of the invention. Indeed, the support members 20, 21 could, instead, be connected directly to the platform 12.

The platform 12 is, in this example, comprised of six rectangular platform members 13, each of which has a width of about 2.5m and a length of about 15.6m. Of course, it must be appreciated that the platform 12 could be a single component or may comprise more than six platform members 13, whicfl may be non-rectangular in plan view. For example, each platform member 13 may be comprised of two or three smaller components which are arranged end-to-end which are individually connected to the frame members 17, 18.

For example, each platform member 13 may be comprised of two outer members each of which has a length of about 3.8m long and an intermediate member which has a length of about8m -all three components having a width of about 2.5m. Alternatively, each platform member 13 may be comprised of one member which has a length of about 3.8m long and of another member which has a length of 11.8m -again, both components having a width of about 2.5m.

The apparatus 10 also includes a plurality of elongate bracing members 24, 25 for supporting the support members 20, 21. Some of the peripheral support members 20 are braced by a respective bracing member 24. In each case, the bracing member 24 is connected at a first end to either a bottom end of the support member 20 or to the height adjusting device 30 and at its second opposite ndto an adjacent support member 20 or one of the peripheral frame members 17.

Each intermediate support member 21 is braced by a respective bracing member 25. The bracing member 25 is connected at a first end to the intermediate support member 21 between a top and a bottom end thereof, and at a second end is connected to another part of the support apparatus 10. In this example, the connection of the first end of the bracing member 25 to the intermediate support member 21 is positioned substantially one third of the way along the intermediate support member 21 from its top end. In this example, the second end of the bracing member 25 is connected to one of the intermediate frame members 18.

Of course, it should be appreciated that it is not essential for the second end of the bracing member 25 to be connected to the frame member 18 -it could, for example, be connected to one of the peripheral support members 20, to the platform 12 or to an adjacent intermediate support member 21.

In addition, it is not essential for the connection of the first end of the bracing member 25 to the intermediate support member 21 to be positioned substantially one third of the way along the intermediate support member 21 from its top end. Indeed, the connection of the first end of the bracing member 25 to the intermediate support member 21 could be positioned further up or further down the intermediate support member 21. It is advantageous, however, for the connection of the first end of the bracing member 25 to the intermediate support member 21 to be positioned closer to the top end of the intermediate support member 21 than it is positioned to the bottom end of the intermediate member 21, as will become apparent below. Preferably, the connection of the first end of the bracing member 25 to the intermediate support member 21 is positioned at least halfway up the intermediate support member 21.

As can be seen from figure 3, two or more apparatus 10 can be positioned next to each other to provide a larger platform for supporting vehicles. In figure 3, two apparatus lOa, lOb are positioned side-by-side (apparatus lOb is shown without a platform 12), and a ramp 40 is connected to one side of the apparatus lOa so as to permit vehicles to travel onto the platforms 12. The arrow A shown in figures 1 and 3 indicates the direction in which vehicles must travel to enter the car park underneath the platform 12. Of course, vehicles do not have to exclusively enter in the direction shown. They could enter from another direction instead, or in addition to the direction of the arrow A, if the site layout dictates. ) 9

The apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention is advantageous over known apparatus for supporting vehicles, because of the configuration of its intermediate support members 21 and the bracing members 25. In some prior art apparatus the intermediate support members have been removed so as to provide an open, unobstructed space beneath the platform 12 -in an effort to remove the possibility of vehicles colliding with the intermediate support members, which could possibly damage the apparatus. However, such a configuration weakens the apparatus, because the intermediate region of the platform is not adequately supported. Thus, to increase the strength of the apparatus to a desired level, the present invention utilises intermediate support members.

In other known apparatus, where intermediate support members are provided, they are braced by bracing members which extend diagonally upwardly from a bottom of each intermediate support member to a part of the platform. Such as configuration achieves greater inherent strength of the platform, but means that if a vehicle collides with the intermediate support member, a substantial proportion of the force of the impact is transferred directly to other components of the apparatus, e.g. the platform 12 or frame structure 16, thus potentially causing damage to those components.

The present invention overcomes this problem by providing a bracing member which acts to provide increased strength to the apparatus, but which also permits laterally movement of the bottom end of the intermediate support member 21 during a collision. As the connection of the first end of the bracing member 25 to the intermediate support member 21 is positioned spaced from the bottom end of the intermediate support member 21, a majority of the forces resulting from the collision are absorbed by the intermediate support member 21 itself, rather than being transferred directly to other components of the apparatus, e.g. the platform 12 or frame structure 16. The intermediate support member 21, as a result of the positioning of the bracing member 25, thus acts as a sacrificial part which can be easily replaced in the event of excess damage as a result of an impact thereto.

Referring to figures 5, 6 and 7, these show a connection member 50 for connecting a pair of barrier members 60, 61 to a support apparatus for vehicles, e.g. the apparatus 10 described above. The connection member 50 has a first connection portion in the form of a substantially rectangular metal plate 51, which is substantially vertical in normal use. Connected to one edge of the plate 51 is a second connection portion, again in the form of a substantially rectangular metal plate 52 but with a truncated end, which is substantially horizontal in normal use. The plates 51, 52 are connected together such that they form a T-shaped component in side view. Triangular strengthening plates 53 are provided to strengthen the join between the plates 51, 52. The strengthening plates 53 parallel with each other, but are spaced apart from each other. The plates 53 are positioned adjacent and beneath the truncated end of the plate 52.

The plate 51 has a pair of apertures 55 therethough positioned one above the other, which provides a means for connecting the connection member 50 to the support apparatus 10. In this example, the plate 51 is connected to an outwardly facing peripheral wall 17a of one of the frame members 17 (see figure 6), with the use of fasteners 54. The fasteners 54 pass through the apertures 55, through corresponding apertures in the wall 17a and also through corresponding apertures in a strengthening bracket 58. The uppermost fastener 54 also passes through a further strengthening plate 59, which is rectangular.

The strengthening bracket 58 is, in side view, an inverted L-shape. The bracket 58 is positioned such that it abuts an inwardly facing surface of the wall 17a, with a shorter arm of the bracket 58 extending away from the wall 1 7a. The shorter arm of the bracket 58 also abuts an inwardly facing surface J 11 of an upper wall 17b of the frame member 17. Thus, the wall 17a is sandwiched between the bracket 58 and the plate 52. The purpose of the bracket 58 is to assist in preventing or at least limiting damage to the wall I 7a if the barrier 60 is impacted by a vehicle (discussed later).

The plate 52 also has a plurality of apertures 56 therethrough which allow for connection of the barriers 60, 61 thereto, again with appropriate fasteners 57.

In this example, the barrier 60 is a crash barrier and is thus configured and positioned to take an impact from a vehicle, e.g. a vehicle which overruns a car park space which it is being parked into by a driver. The purpose of the barrier 60 is to prevent, where possible, a vehicle from driving off of the platform 12. The barrier 60 is manufactured from a plastics material and is positioned inwardly of the outwardly facing peripheral wall 17a of the frame member 17. The barrier 60 is connected to the connection member 50 via an upright 63 which has a foot plate 64 at its lowermost end. The foot plate 64 has apertures which align with the apertures 56 in the connection member 50, so that the foot plate 64 can be secured to the connection member 50 by some of the fasteners 57.

The barrier 61 is positioned adjacent and outwardly of the barrier 60. The barrier 61 extends further upwardly away from the frame member 17 than the barrier 60. The purpose of the barrier 61 is to prevent a person from accidentally falling off of the platform 12. The bamer 61 is thus not designed to absorb an impact from a vehicle. The barrier 61 is manufactured from a plastics material and is positioned outwardly of the peripheral wall 1 7a. The barrier 61 is connected to the connection member 50 via an upright 65 which has a foot plate 66 at its lowermost end. The foot plate 66 has apertures which align with the outermost apertures 56 in the connection member 50, again so that the foot plate 66 can be secured to the connection member 50 by some of the fasteners 57. An innermost edge of the foot plate 66 rests on top of an outermost surface of the foot plate 64. Two of the fasteners 57 thus pass through both footplates 64, 66.

The connection member 50 is configured such that, in the event of an impact to the barrier 60, e.g. by a vehicle, the connection member 50 deforms in preference to the barrier 60 or the part of the support structure 10 to which the connection member 50 is connected, in this example the frame member 17.

As can be seen from figure 7, after an impact from a vehicle, the connection member 50 deforms at point B on the plate 51 and point C on the plate 52.

The connection member 50 has thus pivoted generally about the lowermost fastener 54. The impact has resulted in the uppermost fastener 54 elongating (it may, in other circumstances, break completely). However, the provision of the strengthening bracket 58, and additionally the plate 59, ensure that the wall I 7a remains intact, which means that the connection member 50 can be removed and a new connection member 50 fitted. It may be the case that the foot plate 66 deforms slightly as a result of the impact, as can be seen from figure 7. The foot plate 66 can, however, be repaired or replaced (as it is releasably connected to the upright 65).

Figures 8 to 10 show a second embodiment of connection member 150.

Features which correspond to the connection member 50 have been given the same reference numeral, but with the addition of 100. The main difference between from the connection member 50 is that the connection member 150 has a pair of walls 1 52a, I 52b which extend upwardly from opposite lateral edges of the plate 152. These walls 152a, 152b increase the stiffness and strength of the plate 152 such that it is less likely to deform during an impact.

Figures 11 to 13 show a third embodiment of connection member 250.

Features which correspond to the connection member 150 have been given the same reference numeral, but with the addition of 100.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A support apparatus for vehicles including:-a platform; a plurality of support members for supporting the platform above a ground surface, including:-a plurality of peripheral support members, each of which supports a peripheral region of the platform; and at least one intermediate support member positioned inwardly of the peripheral support members, the intermediate support member supporting an intermediate region of the platform; wherein the support apparatus includes a bracing member which is connected at a first end to the intermediate support member between a top and a bottom end thereof, and at a second end is connected to another part of the support apparatus.
2. A support apparatus according to claim 1 including a plurality of intermediate support members and a plurality of bracing members, each intermediate support member being connected to another part of the support apparatus by a respective bracing member.
3. A support apparatus according to claim I or claim 2 wherein the another part of the support apparatus to which the second end of the bracing member is connected is one of the peripheral support members.
4. A support apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the second end of the bracing member is connected to an adjacent peripheral support member.
5. A support apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the second end of the bracing member is connected to an upper part of the peripheral support member.
6. A support apparatus according to any one of claims I to 3 wherein the another part of the support apparatus to which the second end of the bracing member is connected is the platform.
7. A support apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the second end of the bracing member is connected to an underside of the platform.
8. A support apparatus according to any one of claims I to 3 wherein the another part of the support apparatus to which the second end of the bracing member is connected is a frame structure which supports the platform.
9. A support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the another part of the support apparatus to which the second end of the bracing member is connected is an adjacent intermediate support member.
10. A support apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the second end of the bracing member is connected to an upper part of an adjacent intermediate support member.
11. A support apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the connection of the first end of the bracing member to the intermediate support member is positioned closer to a top end of the intermediate support member than it is positioned to a bottom end of the intermediate member.
12. A support apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the connection of the first end of the bracing member to the intermediate support member is positioned substantially one third of the way along the intermediate support member from its top end.
13. A connection member for connecting a barrier member to a support apparatus for vehicles, including:-a first connection portion for connection to a support apparatus; and a second connection portion for connection to a barrier member, wherein the first connection portion is configured for connection to a periphery of the support apparatus.
14. A connection member according to claim 13 wherein the first connection portion is configured for connection to a peripheral wall of a platform of the support apparatus.
15. A connection member according to claim 13 wherein the first connection portion is configured for connection to a frame structure which supports the platform of the support apparatus.
16. A connection member according to claim 14 or claim 15 wherein the first connection portion is configured for connection to an outwardly facing portion of the platform or frame structure supporting the platform.
17. A connection member according to any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein the connection member is configured such that, in the event of an impact to the barrier, the connection member deforms in preference to the barrier or the part of the support structure to which the connection member is connected.
18. A support apparatus for vehicles according to any one of claims I to 12 including at least one barrier member which is connected thereto by at least one connection member according to any one of claims 13 to 17.
19. A support structure for vehicles substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
20. A connection member substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
21. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.