GB2561857A

GB2561857A - A vehicle parking device

Info

Publication number: GB2561857A
Application number: GB1706548.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Parandian Tom
Original assignee: My Parker Ltd
Current assignee: My Parker Ltd
Priority date: 2017-04-25
Filing date: 2017-04-25
Publication date: 2018-10-31
Anticipated expiration: 2037-04-25
Also published as: GB2561857B; GB201706548D0

Abstract

The device comprises a platform 10 onto which a vehicle 200 to be parked is driven, the platform is moveable over supporting ground by a plurality of rollers 20 that permit linear movement of the platform along a guide and a drive mechanism drives the platform from a vehicle load position to a parked position, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a motor 40 in a fixed position for driving a winch which winches a line 30 connected to the platform so as to move the platform with respect to the motor. The line may pass through a pulley 50 and return to the platform to define a loop and the line may be a chain. The platform may comprise two substantially parallel elongate sections with at least one bar connecting the sections. Also disclosed is a kit of parts for a platform for use with the parking device including platform parts, at least one bar, a motor driven winch, a line and a pulley.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

My Parker Ltd

Flat 78, Albany Manor Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3EN, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Tom Parandian (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Neville Walker ipconsult, 21A Commercial Road, SWANAGE,

BH19 1DF, United Kingdom (51) INT CL:

E04H 6/22 (2006.01) E04H 6/42 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

GB 2446796 A GB 2417242 A

WO 2011/048620 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL E04H Other: EPODOC, WPI (54) Title of the Invention: A vehicle parking device Abstract Title: Parking device (57) The device comprises a platform 10 onto which a vehicle 200 to be parked is driven, the platform is moveable over supporting ground by a plurality of rollers 20 that permit linear movement of the platform along a guide and a drive mechanism drives the platform from a vehicle load position to a parked position, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a motor 40 in a fixed position for driving a winch which winches a line 30 connected to the platform so as to move the platform with respect to the motor. The line may pass through a pulley 50 and return to the platform to define a loop and the line may be a chain. The platform may comprise two substantially parallel elongate sections with at least one bar connecting the sections. Also disclosed is a kit of parts for a platform for use with the parking device including platform parts, at least one bar, a motor driven winch, a line and a pulley.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

08 18

I Chain to

Articulated Ramp _mo[_or

08 18

A vehicle parking device

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to vehicle parking device to enable parking in a restricted or confined space.

Background

It is often preferable to keep a vehicle in a confined safe space such as a garage for security as well as for best maintenance of a vehicle. Typically, a garage or undercover parking space is sized to fit a vehicle. However, over time many vehicle sizes have increased meaning that many garages or undercover parking spaces no longer accommodate a vehicle with the doors open thus making it difficult to exit or enter a vehicle once it has been parked in the confined space. This makes use of a confined spaces for a vehicle more difficult or in some cases impossible.

In addition to this it can be challenging to manoeuvre a vehicle into a confined space as there is a risk of damaging the vehicle if the walls of the confined space are touched during parking. As many garages are now too small for modern day vehicles the likelihood of damage is high.

Prior Art

International Patent Application WO2011048620 (Nocentini) discloses a parking device for remote controlled transportation of a vehicle.

German Patent Application DE102014112269 (Nussbaum) discloses a device for automated parking of vehicles to be parked on a pallet and then moved by a mechanical device and transported to a parking space.

International Patent Application WO2013150397 (Han) discloses a twodimensional conveying structure.

US Patent Application US2015167340 (IHI Corp) discloses an automated parking facility for conveying a vehicle to a storage space including a power transmitting coil provided in the storage space to perform wireless power transmission.

International Patent Application WO2015089163 (Park Plus Inc) discloses a parking system, including parking trays each including a parking platform and legs depending down from the parking platform.

Chinese Patent Application CN104612429 (Shan et al) discloses an automobile lifting and carrying device having a frame.

Chinese Patent Application CN104420683 (Li) discloses a moveable tray device capable of four-direction movement.

US Patent Application US5605206 (Manesmann) discloses a platform for storage or removal of motor vehicles in garages with multiple occupancy parking devices and lifting devices.

US Patent Application US4307985 (Eaton) discloses a transport and storage pallet for vehicles for use in automated storage and retrieval systems.

German Patent Application DE19503877 (Noell) discloses a pallet consisting of an upper and lower section and traveller gear located on a track.

International Patent Application WO2014166111 (Chang) discloses vehicle moving equipment comprising a support device and moving device.

In contrast the present invention provides are parking device which enables easy parking of a vehicle in a confined space using a lightweight platform with a motor position remotely from the platform.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a parking device comprising: a platform onto which a vehicle to be parked is driven, the platform is movable over supporting ground by means of a plurality of rollers that permit linear movement of the platform along a guide; and a drive mechanism drives the platform from a vehicle load position to a parked position, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a motor located in a fixed position for driving a winch which winches a line connected to the platform so as to move the platform with respect to the motor.

In this way a vehicle can be parked on the platform, outside of a confined space such as a garage (vehicle load position) and once the driver and passengers have exited the vehicle the vehicle and platform are moved to be inside the confined space (to a parked position).

In the same way the vehicle may be moved from the confined space to outside so that a driver and passengers can access the vehicle.

Advantageously this enables a driver and passengers to easily enter and exit the vehicle, rather than being constrained by the confined location, which for example may limit how wide the doors can be opened.

This device also removes the requirement for a larger garage that allows for opening of vehicle doors.

Advantageously the parking device also enables parking in the vehicle load position, on the platform, rather than parking directly in the confined space, thus reducing the chance of damaging the vehicle during parking.

Preferably the motor winds a line that is a chain. Advantageously a chain is strong, durable and does not stretch under tension or alter in length due to changes in temperature.

In another embodiment the line may be a rope, cord or cable of suitable strength and durability to move the platform when carrying a vehicle.

Preferably the drive mechanism includes a pulley through which the line passes and is returned.

In a preferred embodiment the line is attached to the platform to form a loop of line that passes from the platform, to the motor, through the pulley and back to the platform.

The motor can be driven in two directions, forward and backwards, to move the platform in and out of the confined space.

The position of the pulley, relative to the motor, defines the linear range of movement of the platform. The position of the pulley sets an end point past which the part of the platform that connects to the line cannot pass.

In some embodiments the parking device includes a channel for enclosing at least part of the line. In this way the line - rope, cord, cable, chain, or other suitable length of material - is enclosed and prevented from coming into contact with a user. This prevents a user from being injured by or becoming caught in the line.

The channel may be fully or partially embedded in the ground and/or a sheath positioned over the line.

In other embodiments the channel may be shroud that provides a protected cover over the line.

For example, part of the line may travel through a channel arranged on the ground and part of the line may be enclosed by shroud.

A motor is provided to drive the drive mechanism. Preferably the motor drives a drum about which the line passes. In this way rotation of the drum moves the line and thereby the platform.

In an alternative embodiments the motor may wind a pinion along a toothed rail or track so as to drive movement of the platform.

The motor is located remotely from the platform so that the platform moves in respect of the motor. In this way the motor is in a fixed position during use and can be securely fitted to a surface such as the ground or a wall.

The platform is a strong, durable, lightweight surface for receiving a vehicle and being moved by the line connected to the winch.

Preferably the platform comprises two substantially parallel, elongate sections onto which a vehicle is driven so as to be in the vehicle load position. The parallel, elongate sections are for receiving wheels of the vehicle and at least one connector connects the two sections so that platform is a single unit that moves in unison.

In the preferred embodiment the sections are long enough to accommodate front and rear wheels of the vehicle.

The parallel elongate sections are connected together by at least one bar to define a single platform structure. The bar is arranged to be connected perpendicular to each section. This arrangement defines a substantially FIshaped platform.

Preferably the platform has two connecting bars.

The line is connected to one of the bars. Preferably the line is attached to the bar that is closest to the motor. If there is more than one bar, the bar(s) that is not connected to the line is positioned so as to allow clear, unobstructed passage of the line. For example the bar may be raised or lowered.

The two ends of the line may be connected to connected to two locations on the bar, connected at one location, embedded in the bar, or running through the bar.

In a preferred embodiment a first end of the line is attached to a first face of the bar and a second end of the line is attached to a second face of the bar.

The line may be removable connected, for example with a catch, clip, carabiner or similar connector so as to enable the line to be disconnected for maintenance or replacement.

Advantageously the section and bar arrangement provides a lighter weight structure than having a solid continuous platform.

Ideally the sections are formed from multiple parts. In this way the platform can be readily transported in parts and assembled on site. Furthermore the number of parts can be adjusted depending on vehicle and garage size. For example, the platform may be made longer by adding an additional part.

Typically the parts are rectangular. In some embodiments the parts may be square.

Preferably the parts are connected by a hinge so as to allow each part to articulate relative to the adjoining part. In this way the platform is able to accommodate uneven ground.

Preferably an end of the platform has a ramp to enable a vehicle to be easily driven on and off the ramp. The ramp is inclined towards the ground at a distal end of the ramp but does not contact the ground during movement of the platform.

In some embodiments the ramp may pivot at the proximal end, where the ramp attaches to the section, so as to enable the ramp to be lowered to receive or deploy the vehicle and then raised during movement of the platform.

The platform and ramp may be formed as one continuous part, or as multiple connectable parts.

Side edges of the platform may be raised so as to define an edge of the platform to assist with parking the vehicle on the platform by providing a noticeable barrier, should the wheel contact the edge.

The platform is mounted on rollers so that the platform and thereby the vehicle on the platform can be rolled in and out of a confined space.

The rollers are arranged on a lower face of the platform. The rollers are connected to the platform by a spindle or axel to permit rolling.

Rollers are arranged on each section ofthe platform, therefore having two sets of rollers arranged parallel to each other.

In some embodiments the parts of the platform are connected one to another by a member that also provides an axle for the rollers.

The guide serves to ensure that the platform moves along a predefined linear pathway. The guide provides a means to guide the platform to within the confined space without contacting any side walls during movement.

The guide may be a retainer that prevents deviation of the rollers from a defined track. For example, the retainer may be an elongate strip arranged on the ground in use to provide a barrier that the rollers run along and cannot pass.

For example, two parallel retainers may be arranged on the ground being separated a distance that corresponds to the roller spacing between the platform sections. Therefore the that outer faces of each set of rollers arranged on each platform section are adjacent to the retainers as the platform moves.

In another preferred embodiment the guide is in the form of a U-shaped track that receives the rollers.

Preferably the guides are secured to the ground, for example being bolted to the floor to prevent movement during use.

In preferred embodiments the parking device has at least one marker to provide a visual guide to assist a driver to position the vehicle on the platform.

Preferably the marker is located on the platform, although it is appreciated that markers may be provided in different locations that can be viewed by a driver parking the vehicle on the platform.

Typically the markers are in the form of rods that extend upright from the platform edges so as to provide a visual marker for a driver of the vehicle to indicate the edge, back or front of the platform. Advantageously these markers are easily visible in a driver’s forward view as well as wing mirrors. This enables a driver to more easily park the vehicle on to the platform.

Preferably the markers are flexible so as to deform if they come into contact with a vehicle. This helps to prevent any damage to the vehicle and also serves to indicate that the vehicle is not parked in the correct position when a marker is deformed.

Ideally the markers are formed from or coated with an anti-scratch material so as to prevent any damage to a vehicle.

In preferred embodiments at least on marker includes a mirror mounted on the distal end of the rod so as to further assist with parking.

The marker is typically brightly coloured so as to be easily identified.

Preferably the parking device includes at least one sensor which cuts off a power supply to the motor of the drive mechanism when the platform reaches a predefined location.

Preferably the sensor may comprise a pressure switch or micro switch so that contact with a surface activates the sensor. A pressure switch or micro switch is considered more reliable that a presence sensor.

Preferably a pressure switch or pressure sensor or micro switch is arranged to detect when the platform is retracted to within the confined space at the desired parking position. In this way the correct position is automatically detected. Ideally the sensor is capable of communicating with the motor to cease movement once the desired position is reached.

For example, when the portion of the platform connected to the line is detected to be with a predetermined range of the pulley, such as within 100mm, the sensor generates a signal to automatically cease the motor.

In some embodiments the sensor may additionally or alternatively trigger an audible or visual alert to advise a user when the desired position is reached. This can alert a user to when the vehicle is correctly parked or may serve as a cue in a manual system for a user to cease the motor.

In an alternative embodiment a sensor may be provided on the motor for detecting a marked position on the line in order to determine the correct position of the platform.

In some embodiments the parking system may include more than sensor fulfilling the same role in order to provide a failsafe system if any one sensor were to fail.

Preferably the parking device includes a controller for activating and ceasing the drive mechanism that is driven by the motor.

Preferably the parking device may be activated and ceased by a remote controller that communicates with the motor. For example the remote controller may be a handheld device that is carried by the user, for example as a small fob.

It is appreciated that in some embodiments the controlled may be a fixed unit connected to the motor and operated manually at the controller. For example, the controller may be panel mounted on the wall and hardwired to the motor.

The parking device may also include a sensor that is adapted to detect presence of an object or barrier that impedes displacement of the platform, such as a garage door, so as to prevent movement of the platform until the barrier is removed. In this way the platform cannot be moved unless the pathway along which it will move is clear, thus providing enhance safety.

Preferably the sensor for detecting presence of an object or barrier is in communication with the motor so as to prevent activation of the motor if an object is detected.

In another embodiment the presence sensor may trigger an alert if an object is detected so as to warn a user that the parking device cannot be used.

Advantageously this sensor can detect barriers such as a garage door, as well as people or pets. Therefore ensuring optimal safety during use.

It is appreciated that the parking device may be purchased as kit to be assembled by a user. Typically the kit includes: platform parts, at least one bar, a motor driven winch, a line and a pulley.

In use the parking device is operated by several steps. An example of the steps of operation is as follows. The garage door is opened and the platform is deployed by activating the motor. The motor can only be activated if the area ahead of the platform is identified as clear by the presence sensor.

The platform is deployed to outside the garage, being guided by the guide to an end point defined by the pulley.

Once deployed to the predefined location a vehicle is parked on the platform making use of the markers to guide the driver on to the correct position on the platform.

Once the vehicle is parked correctly on the platform the driver and all passengers exit the vehicle and motor is activated to retract the platform into the confined space.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a side view of the parking device with a vehicle on the platform;

Figure 2 shows a top view of the parking device;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the parking device without the motor in view;

Figure 4A shows a front view of the platform;

Figure 4B shows a side view of the platform;

Figure 4C shows a rear view of the platform; and

Figure 4D shows a top view of the platform of the second embodiment;

Detailed Description of Figures

Figures 1 to 4 show preferred embodiments of the parking device 100. In use a vehicle 200 parked on the platform 10.

The parking device 100 has a platform 10 mounted on a plurality of rollers 20. A line 30 is attached to the platform 10 and passes through a motor 40 and pulley 50.

The motor 40 drives the line 30 in order to move the platform 10.

The position of the pulley 50, relative to the motor 40, defines the linear range of movement of the platform 10. The position of the pulley 50 sets an end point past which the part of the platform that connects to the line 30 cannot pass.

The line 30 is attached at two locations on the platform 10 (see Figure 3) to form a loop of line that passes from the platform 10, to the motor 40, through the pulley 50 and back to the platform 10.

The platform 10 has a first end 10A that is a ramp 13 to enable vehicle wheels to easily drive onto the platform 10. The ramp 13 is inclined towards the ground from the position of the front roller 23. Ideally the ramp 13 does not touch the ground once the vehicle 200 is parked on the platform 10. In this way when the platform 10 moves the ramp 13 does not drag along the ground.

A second end 10B of the ramp 13 is defined by a raised lip 14 so as to indicate to a drive when the wheels have reached the end of the platform and to prevent the driver from driving over the platform.

The platform 10 has two elongate sections 11. The sections 11 receive the vehicle wheels. The sections 11 are joined by two bars 12A, 12B. The first bar 12A is connected to the line 30.

The second bar 12B is positioned higher that the first bar 12A so as to allow clear passage of the line 30.

In Figure 2 the platform has two plank shaped bards 12A, 12B that are connecting the sections 11.

In Figures 3 and 4 the platform 10 has one plank shaped bar 12A that connects to the line 30 and a narrow second bar 12B.

The rollers 20 are mounted on the sections 11.

In the pictured embodiments each section 11 has 4 pairs of rollers spaced along the length of the sections 11. The rollers 20 are mounted on axles 21 indicated by a dashed line.

The reference 22 indicates the division of the parts that form the section (See Figure 3, 4D). This division of the parts is the point at which articulation can occur of the parts are connected by a hinge.

Preferably the platform is formed from metal or metal alloy.

The rollers 20 run along a guide 60 (See Figure 2). The guide 60 is an elongate retainer that is fixed to the floor in use so as to define a path of movement for the platform 10.

In Figure 2 the motor 40 has a control board 70 for activating and deactivating the motor 40.

The line 30 is connected at two ends to the bar 12A so as to form a loop. The line 30 passes around a drum on the motor 40 and through the pulley 50.

The line 30 is a chain. The chain 30 is covered by a shroud 31 (See Figure 3) that encases part of the chain 30.

The parking device shown in Figure 3 includes markers 80A, 80B and 80C. The markers 80 are in the form of rods that extend upright from the platform edges so as to provide a visual marker for a driver of the vehicle. This enables a driver to easily park the vehicle on to the platform 10.

The markers 80A, 80B and 80C are flexible so as to deform if they come into contact with a vehicle this prevent any damage to the vehicle and indicating that the vehicle is not parked in the correct position.

The rear markers 10C include a mirror mounted on the distal end of the rod so as to further assist with parking.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, suitable modifications and equivalents are considered to fall within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A parking device comprising: a platform onto which a vehicle to be parked is driven, the platform is movable over supporting ground by means of a plurality of rollers that permit linear movement of the platform along a guide; and a drive mechanism drives the platform from a vehicle load position to a parked position, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a motor located in a fixed position for driving a winch which winches a line connected to the platform so as to move the platform with respect to the motor.

2. A parking device according to claim 1 wherein the line passes through a pulley and returns to the platform to define a loop.

3. A parking device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the line is a chain.

4. A parking device according to any preceding claim wherein the platform comprises two substantially parallel elongate sections for receiving wheels of the vehicle and at least one bar connects the two sections.

5. A parking device according to claim 4 wherein the sections are formed from multiple parts.

6. A parking device according to claim 5 wherein the parts that form the sections articulate at their connections.

7. A parking device according to claim 6 wherein parts are connected one to another by a member that also provides an axle for the rollers.

8. A parking device according to any preceding claim wherein the platform has a ramp.

9. A parking device according to any preceding claim wherein the guide is a retainer that prevents deviation of the rollers from a defined track.

10. A parking device according to any of claims 1 to 8 wherein the guide is in the form of a U-shaped track.

11 .A parking device according to any preceding claim including at least one marker to provide a visual guide when parking the vehicle is completed.

12. A parking device according to any preceding claim including at least one sensor which cuts off a power supply to the drive mechanism when the platform reaches a predefined location.

13. A parking device according to claim 12 wherein the sensor is a pressure switch.

14. A parking device according to any preceding claim includes a channel for enclosing at least part of the line.

15. A parking device according to any preceding claim includes a shroud for enclosing at least part of the line.

16. A parking device according to any preceding claim includes a controller for activating and ceasing the drive mechanism.

17. A parking device according to any preceding claim provided as a kit of parts for assembly including: a platform, a motor driven winch, a line and a pulley.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: Claims searched:

GB1706548.3

1-17

17. A parking device according to any preceding claim includes a sensor that is adapted to detect presence of an object or barrier that impedes displacement of the platform, such as a garage door, so as to prevent movement of the platform until the barrier is removed.

18. A kit of parts for a platform for use with the parking device according to any preceding claim including: platform parts, at least one bar, a motor driven winch, a line and a pulley.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows:

Claims

25 01 18

1. A parking device comprising: a platform onto which a vehicle to be parked is driven, the platform is movable over supporting ground by

5 means of a plurality of rollers that permit horizontal movement of the platform along a guide; and a drive mechanism drives the platform from a vehicle load position to a parked position, the drive mechanism comprises a motor located in a fixed position for driving a winch which winches a loop of line that is connected to the platform and passes

10 through a pulley so as to move the platform with respect to the motor.

2. A parking device according to claim 1 wherein the line is a chain.

3. A parking device according to any preceding claim wherein the platform

15 comprises two substantially parallel elongate sections for receiving wheels of the vehicle and at least one bar connects the two sections.

4. A parking device according to claim 3 wherein the sections are formed from multiple parts.

5. A parking device according to claim 4 wherein the parts that form the sections articulate at their connections.

6. A parking device according to claim 5 wherein parts are connected one

25 to another by a member that also provides an axle for the rollers.

7. A parking device according to any preceding claim wherein the platform has a ramp.

30 8. A parking device according to any preceding claim wherein the guide is a retainer that prevents deviation of the rollers from a defined track.

9. A parking device according to any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the guide is in the form of a U-shaped track.

25 01 18

10. A parking device according to any preceding claim including at least one marker to provide a visual guide when parking the vehicle is completed.

5 11. A parking device according to any preceding claim including at least one sensor which cuts off a power supply to the drive mechanism when the platform reaches a predefined location.

12. A parking device according to claim 11 wherein the sensor is a

10 pressure switch.

13. A parking device according to any preceding claim includes a channel for enclosing at least part of the line.

15 14. A parking device according to any preceding claim includes a shroud for enclosing at least part of the line.

15. A parking device according to any preceding claim includes a controller for activating and ceasing the drive mechanism.

16. A parking device according to any preceding claim includes a sensor that is adapted to detect presence of an object or barrier that impedes displacement of the platform, so as to prevent movement of the platform until the barrier is removed.