IL294287B2

IL294287B2 - A parking methods and device with multiple movable vehicle carriers

Info

Publication number: IL294287B2
Application number: IL294287A
Authority: IL
Inventors: Sidi David
Original assignee: Sidi David
Priority date: 2022-06-26
Filing date: 2022-06-26
Publication date: 2023-04-01
Also published as: WO2024003886A1; IL294287A

Description

294287/ הטיש ו ןקתמ ל הינח םע רפסמ יאשנמ בכר םיעיינתמ PARKING METHODS AND DEVICE WITH MULTIPLE MOVABLE VEHICLE CARRIERS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to mechanical parking systems for vehicles, and specifically to a mechanical parking device that moves vehicles to and from vehicle carriers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The problem of dwindling parking area in urban areas has been known for many decades. With steadily growing population, the number of vehicles across the world is also steadily increasing.

This rapid increase in the number of vehicles and growing number of people living and working in metropolitan areas intensifies this problem, making parking spaces in such areas a scarce resource. Moreover, the scarcity of parking spaces directly leads to prolonging travel times due to search of parking spaces, which is closely associated with increasing traffic congestion, parking tariffs, traffic accidents, and environmental pollution.

These difficulties led many cities to seek innovative and technological parking solutions that would make more efficient use of the limited urban space, understanding that more efficient parking solutions can help reduce traffic and pollution, and improve the quality of life of its citizens and visitors.

Technological parking solutions can be provided in many forms. Multistory parking garages and mechanical parking systems are well known. These systems utilize moving platforms to 294287/ store vehicles where previously they could not be parked. One vehicle can be stacked on top of another with a lift mechanism that lifts the vehicle to a platform positioned above a parking space or other platforms to increase the amount of vehicles that can be parked within the same surface area.

However, all of the existing solutions suffer from deficiencies that limit their efficiency. Many of them require an attendant to assist in parking the vehicle after it arrives at a parking cell.

Many of these systems rely on a single lift that limits the amount of vehicles that can be parked in a given space, and requires removal of parked vehicles in order to allow parking or unparking of other vehicles in the system.

CN Pat. No. 204457012(U) relates to a double-layer three-dimensional parking place group.

The double-layer parking place group is used in a single-layer underground garage. The double- layer three-dimensional parking place group comprises stand columns, track boards, supporting beams, supporting transverse beams, a movable carrier and vehicle carrying plates, the track boards stretch across above a road in the underground garage and are supported by the stand columns that are symmetrically fixed on two sides of the road, the two track boards are connected through connecting beams, the movable carrier comprises a main body, rotating shafts and walking wheels, a connecting shaft is disposed at the center of the main body, a bearing plate is arranged at the bottom end of the connecting shaft, bearing arms are disposed on the bearing plate, two ends of the bearing arms are fixed on transverse arms, hydraulic columns are disposed at two ends of the transverse arms, hanging plates are fixed at tail ends of the hydraulic columns, and hanging hooks are arranged on the vehicle carrying plates.

CN Pat. No. 111441629 (A) relates to a multi-platform lifting machine vertical lifting type three-dimensional parking equipment. The multi-platform lifting machine vertical lifting type three-dimensional parking equipment comprises a three-dimensional garage, multiple lifting 294287/ platforms and a lifting system. A lifting shaft is mounted in the middle of the three-dimensional garage. The multiple lifting platforms are distributed in the lifting shaft side by side, the lifting system and the lifting platforms are in transmission connection, the lifting system is used for driving two adjacent lifting platforms to synchronously and reversely ascend and descend. The three dimensional garage is provided with multiple layers of parking spaces communicate with the lifting shaft and located at any on any one end or two ends, each layer of parking spaces correspond to the lifting platforms one to one. The bottom layer of the three-dimensional garage is provided with a garage entrance and exit, a transverse moving mechanism is mounted on the ground of the garage entrance and exit, and is provided with a rotating vehicle carrying platform. The transverse moving mechanism is used for driving the rotating vehicle carrying platform to move to the position corresponding to any one lifting platform, and a carrying device is mounted on each lifting platform.

The existing parking systems either require a full-time standby attendant to organize the vehicles maneuvering or suffer from inefficient use of the space they occupy. A much needed solution would be in the form of a system that obviates the need of human operator while efficiently utilizing the entire surface area it occupies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method and device for parking of vehicles, mainly for purposes of parking several vehicles in a given surface area.

One preferred embodiment of the invention discloses a device for parking of vehicles comprising at least three vehicle carriers movably installed on the device, at least one actuation mechanism configured to actuate movement of each of said at least three vehicle carriers and a control system. Each of the at least three vehicle carriers is designated an elevated parking position and is capable of moving between a central bottom position and its designated elevated 294287/ parking position.

Another preferred embodiments of the invention discloses a device for parking of vehicles comprising at least three vehicle carriers, at least three conveying elements, with each conveying element corresponds to one of at least three vehicle carriers, at least one actuation mechanism configured to actuate movement of each of said at least three conveying elements and a control system. Each of said at least three vehicle carriers is installed on its corresponding conveying element, and each of said at least three conveying elements is configured to move its corresponding vehicle carrier between its designated one of multiple elevated positions and a bottom central position.

The term "vehicle carrier" refer to any object or objects that can carry a vehicle in any way, including without limitation platforms, ramps, bars, arms, forks, cylinders and any other such object or objects known in the art or disclosed herein.

The term "conveying element" refer to any element or elements that can move any kind of vehicle carrier installed on it between two positions or more, including without limitation robotic arms, telescopic shafts, chain propelled conveying element, rack and pinion conveying element, and any device, machine, assembly, structure or any other such element or elements known in the art or disclosed herein.

The term "actuation mechanism" refer to any mechanism or mechanisms that can propel movement of any kind of conveying element by any kind of force, including without limitation any mechanical, electromechanical, electromagnetic, hydraulic or any other mechanism or mechanisms known in the art or disclosed herein.

The term "control system" refer to any kind of system that can automatically or manually control operation of all controllable components of any kind of parking device, including without limitation, multi-tier parking structures, parking lifts, parking towers, underground 294287/ parking devices, multi-vehicle carrier parking devices or any other parking devices, structures or systems known in the art or disclosed herein.

The term "elevated position" refers to any position of a vehicle carrier above the ground level, including without limitation, any position that leaves enough space beneath the vehicle carrier for parking of a vehicle and/or any position that leaves enough space around the vehicle carrier to not interfere with other vehicle carriers in their respective elevated positions.

Any one or more of the following features, designs and configurations can be incorporated in the invention detailed herein, independently or in combination therewith: In another embodiment of the present invention, the device for parking of vehicles comprises conveying elements including: a left-side conveying element configured to allow movement of its corresponding vehicle carrier between an elevated left-side position and a bottom central position, a central conveying element configured to allow movement of its corresponding vehicle carrier between an elevated central position and a bottom central position and a right- side conveying element configured to allow movement of its corresponding vehicle carrier between an elevated right-side position and a bottom central position.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the device for parking of vehicles comprises conveying elements, at least one of which is a telescopic shaft having its corresponding vehicle carrier connected to its distal end, such that the vehicle carrier is movable by expansion and contraction of said telescopic shaft. The expansion and contraction of said telescopic shaft are actuated by said actuation mechanism.

The term "telescopic shaft" refers to any kind of elongated element formed by a set of interconnected elements that can contract into one another to reduce the length of the telescopic shaft and expand out of one another to increase the length of the telescopic shaft. This includes telescopic shafts of any kind or shape, including without limitation shafts with a rectangular, 294287/ square, cylindrical or oval profile.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the device for parking of vehicles comprises conveying elements, at least one of which is an elongated solid element comprising a chain movably installed throughout the length of said elongated solid element and actuated by said actuation mechanism. One of said vehicle carriers corresponding to said elongated solid element is fixed to one area of said chain, such that movement of said chain mobilizes said one of said at least three vehicle carriers between two ends of said elongated solid element.

The term "chain" refers to any elongated object or set of interconnected objects that can be used for pulling other objects, including without limitation any kind of cord, string, chain, rope or wire.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the device for parking of vehicles comprises conveying elements, at least one of which is an elongated solid element comprising a track extending throughout the length of said elongated solid element. A gear is movably installed on said track in a rack and pinion configuration and connected to one of said at least three vehicle carriers corresponding to said elongated solid element. Said gear is actuated by said actuation mechanism such that rotation of said gear mobilizes said one of said at least three vehicle carriers between at least two ends of said elongated solid element.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the device for parking of vehicles comprises conveying elements, at least one of which is a telescopic shaft positioned at an adjustable angle.

The adjustment of angle of said telescopic shaft is actuated by an angle adjustment mechanism.

Said angle adjustment mechanism is configured to rotate said telescopic shaft during movement of its corresponding vehicle carrier between said bottom central position and its designated 294287/ elevated position in order to avoid contact of vehicle carrier and vehicle parked on it with any of the remaining of at least three vehicle carriers and vehicles parked on or under any of the remaining of at least three vehicle carriers.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the device for parking of vehicles comprises at least one proximity sensor installed on at least one of said vehicle carriers.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a device for parking of vehicles, comprises at least three vehicle carriers and a support structure comprising a central bottom parking position and multiple elevated parking positions comprising at least an elevated left-side parking position and an elevated right-side parking position disposed on both sides of elevated tier and an elevated central parking position disposed on yet more elevated tier. The device further comprises a track system disposed on said support structure to form path between each elevated parking position and said central bottom parking position, at least one actuation mechanism configured to actuate movement of each of said at least three vehicle carriers and a control system. Each of said at least three vehicle carriers is designated an elevated parking position, and each of said at least three vehicle carriers is movably installed on said track system to allow each of said at least three vehicle carriers to move between its designated elevated position and a central bottom position.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a device for parking of vehicles comprises at least one vehicle carrier which is rotatably installed on its corresponding conveying element and actuated by a tilting mechanism configured to controllably tilt said vehicle carrier.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the device for parking of vehicles comprises a tilting mechanism which is configured to tilt the vehicle carrier during movement of its corresponding conveying element between said bottom central position and its designated elevated position in order to avoid contact of vehicle carrier and vehicle parked on it with any 294287/ of the remaining of at least three vehicle carriers and vehicles parked on or under any of the remaining of at least three vehicle carriers.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the device for parking of vehicles comprises vehicle carriers, at least one of which comprising a joint allowing folding of the horizontal surface of said vehicle carrier into upright position when not occupied by vehicle.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the device for parking of vehicles comprises control system which is configured to coordinately control all of said at least three conveying elements.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the device for parking of vehicles comprises vehicle carriers, at least one which is installed on its corresponding conveying element lengthwise, such as to allow vehicle to park on said vehicle carrier perpendicularly to its corresponding conveying element.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the device for parking of vehicles comprises vehicle carriers at least one of which is installed on its corresponding conveying element widthwise, such as to allow vehicle to park on said vehicle carrier in parallel to its corresponding conveying element.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the device for parking of vehicles comprises at least three vehicle carriers, at least one of which is configured as a fork engaging with the chassis of the vehicle parking on said vehicle carrier.

In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one vehicle carrier configured as a fork comprises at least two movable support bars engaging with the chassis of the vehicle parking on said vehicle carrier, each of said at least two movable support bars is capable of moving to adjust support position under the vehicle parked on said vehicle carrier 294287/ In another embodiment of the present invention, the device for parking of vehicles comprises at least three vehicle carriers, at least one of which is configured as an elongated bar positioned across length of vehicle. The elongated bar comprising at least four pairs of retractable rods each corresponding to different wheel of vehicle and configured to engage wheel of vehicle from its front and rear sides, thereby limiting movement of vehicle.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the device for parking of vehicles comprises at least three vehicle carriers, at least one of which comprising at least one retractable stopper in contact with at least one pair of wheels of vehicle parked on said vehicle carrier.

In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the at least three vehicle carriers comprises an alignment mechanism for aligning vehicle parked on the vehicle carrier. The alignment mechanism may comprise movable elements engaging with the wheels or chassis of the vehicle parked on the vehicle carrier that are capable of adjusting the position of the vehicle on the vehicle carrier.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of using the device for parking for parking and unparking vehicles, comprising the following steps: (1) all but one of the vehicle carriers are positioned each in its designated elevated position, while the remaining vehicle carrier is positioned in said bottom central position; (2) vehicle is transported and parked on the vehicle carrier positioned in said bottom central position; (3) the vehicle carrier positioned in the bottom central position is moved by said at least one actuation mechanism into its designated elevated position with vehicle parked on it; (4) another one of the vehicle carriers not occupied by vehicle is moved by said at least one actuation mechanism into said bottom central position, standing by to receive another vehicle; (5) for parking, steps 1-4 are repeated for each vehicle carrier not occupied by vehicle, and for unparking, steps 2-4 are reversely repeated for each vehicle carrier occupied by vehicle. 294287/ Various objects, features, and aspects of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1a illustrates a perspective view of a device for parking of vehicles, according to some demonstrative embodiments; Fig. 1b illustrates a device for parking vehicles with vehicles parked on its vehicle carriers. The vehicle carriers displayed in these figures are installed widthwise and conveying elements are configured as telescopic shafts.

Fig. 2aillustrates a perspective view of a device for parking of vehicles, according to some demonstrative embodiments; Fig. 2b illustrates a device for parking vehicles with vehicles parked on its vehicle carriers. The vehicle carriers displayed in these figures are installed lengthwise and conveying elements are configured as telescopic shafts.

Fig. 3aillustrates a perspective view of a device for parking of vehicles, according to some demonstrative embodiments; Fig. 3b illustrates a device for parking vehicles with vehicles parked on its vehicle carriers. The conveying elements displayed in these figures are configured as elongated solid elements with their corresponding vehicle carriers movably installed on a chain or a track via a gear.

Fig. 4illustrates a method for parking and unparking of vehicles on the device in accordance with one or several embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 5illustrates a side view of some demonstrative embodiments of a device for parking of 294287/ vehicles, including measurements of dimensions of the device and its operational area.

Fig. 6aand Fig. 6b illustrate a perspective view of a vehicle carrier installed on its conveying element with a tilting mechanism.

Fig. 7aand Fig. 7b illustrate a side view of a bottom part of a conveying element with an embodiment of an angle adjustment mechanism.

Fig. 8illustrates a method for parking and unparking of vehicles on the device in accordance with one or several embodiments of the present invention that comprise a tilting mechanism and angle adjustment mechanism.

Fig. 9illustrates a side view of some demonstrative embodiments of a device for parking of vehicles comprising a tilting mechanism and angle adjustment mechanism, including measurements of dimensions of the device and its operational area.

Fig. 10aillustrates a perspective view of a device for parking of vehicles, according to some demonstrative embodiments; Fig. 10b illustrates a device for parking vehicles with vehicles parked on its vehicle carriers. Both figures relate to an embodiment that comprises a support structure with track system.

Fig. 11a method for parking and unparking of vehicles on the device in accordance with one or several embodiments of the present invention that comprise a support structure with track system.

Fig. 12illustrates a side view of some demonstrative embodiments of a device for parking of vehicles comprising a support structure with track system, including measurements of dimensions of the device and its operational area.

Fig. 13and Fig. 13billustrate a close-up view of a retractable stopper installed on a vehicle carrier. 294287/ Fig. 14aand Fig. 14billustrate a close-up view of a vehicle carrier with comprising a joint allowing folding of a horizontal surface of the vehicle carrier into upright position when not occupied by vehicle.

Fig. 15aillustrates a vehicle carrier configured as a fork; Fig. 15billustrates a vehicle carrier configured as a fork engaging with the chassis of the vehicle parked on said vehicle carrier.

Fig. 16aillustrates a vehicle carrier configured as an elongated bar with retractable rods; Fig. 16billustrates a vehicle carrier configured as an elongated bar with a vehicle resting on said retractable rods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which are meant to be descriptive and not limiting. For the sake of brevity, some well-known features, methods, systems, procedures, components, and so on, are not described in detail.

Fig. 1aillustrates one embodiment of a device for parking of vehicles in accordance with the present invention. The device comprises three vehicle carriers and corresponding conveying elements: A left-side conveying element 111 and its corresponding vehicle carrier 113 , a central conveying element 110 and its corresponding vehicle carrier 114 and a right-side conveying element 103 and its corresponding vehicle carrier 101 . The conveying elements 103 110 111 are configured as telescopic shafts actuated by a hydraulic actuation mechanism 107 , which comprises a hydraulic pump 108 . In this illustration, vehicle carrier 113 is positioned in an elevated left-side position, vehicle carrier 101 is positioned in an elevated right-side position and vehicle 114 is positioned in a bottom central position. It should be appreciated that bottom central position of vehicle carrier 114 is aligned with ground level, and all parts of the device shown in a lower level are placed below ground level. 294287/ Expansion and contraction of conveying element 110 moves vehicle carrier 114 between bottom central position (shown in the illustration) and an elevated central position, expansion and contraction of conveying element 111 moves vehicle carrier 113 between left-side elevated position (shown in the illustration) and bottom central position, expansion and contraction of conveying element 103 moves vehicle carrier 101 between right-side elevated position (shown in the illustration) and bottom central position. It can be appreciated that all three vehicle carriers can move into the same bottom central position, while each of them has its designated elevated position.

Each of the conveying elements is supported by an angle adjustment mechanism. Angle adjustment mechanism of conveying element 103 comprises a lateral telescopic shaft 105 connected to base platform of the device via connection hinge 106 and connected to conveying element 103 via connection hinge 104 . Expansion and contraction of lateral telescopic shaft 105 affects the angle in which conveying element 103 is positioned relative to ground level, providing enhanced maneuverability for vehicle carrier 101 . In order to allow their angle to be changed, each conveying element is connected to the base platform via a connection hinge. In this illustration, only connection hinge 109 of conveying element 111 is visible.

Furthermore, each vehicle carrier is provided with a tilting mechanism, allowing to control the angle its horizontal surface is positioned relative to the ground plane, further enhancing maneuverability of each vehicle carrier. Each vehicle carrier is rotatably installed on the distal end of its corresponding conveying element via a rotatable joint actuated by the tilting mechanism. In this illustration, vehicle carrier 101 is connected to its conveying element 103 via rotation joint 102 . The tilting mechanism actuates rotation of the rotatable joint, thereby tilting the vehicle carrier to change the angle of its horizontal surface relative to the ground plane. 294287/ The device includes a control system 112 configured as a computer comprising a touch screen.

The control system coordinately controls the operation of all components of the device, this may include without limitation, expansion and contraction of each of the conveying elements, expansion and contraction of each of the lateral telescopic shafts (affecting the angle in which their corresponding conveying elements are positioned) and rotation of tilting mechanisms’ rotatable joints (affecting the angle in which their corresponding vehicle carriers are positioned). It will be appreciated that the control system will prevent from any conveying element to move its corresponding vehicle carrier to central bottom position as long as another vehicle carrier occupies it.

Fig. 1b illustrates the device of Fig. 1a with four vehicles parked on it. A segment of road 116 is shown, with parking spaces in parallel to a segment of sidewalk 115 . A vehicle 118 is parked on vehicle carrier positioned in a right-side elevated position. The right-side elevated position of vehicle carrier provides sufficient headroom to allow another vehicle 117 to park underneath it.

Fig. 2a illustrates a device similar to the device shown in Fig. 1a , only that its vehicle carriers 201 202 203 are installed lengthwise to their corresponding conveying elements. Fig. 2b illustrates the device shown in Fig. 2a with vehicles parked on it perpendicularly to the sidewalk. Vehicle 204 is parked on vehicle carrier placed on left-side elevated position.

Fig. 3a illustrates another embodiment of the device of the present invention. The device comprises three vehicle carriers and corresponding conveying elements: A left-side conveying element 304 and its corresponding vehicle carrier 302 , a central conveying element 301 and its corresponding vehicle carrier 310 and a right-side conveying element 306 and its corresponding vehicle carrier 309 . The conveying elements 301 304 306 are configured as elongated solid elements, each comprising a track extending throughout its length. Vehicle carriers 302 310 294287/ 309 are movably installed on the track of their corresponding conveying elements 304 301 306 , respectively, through a gear in a rack and pinion configuration. The rotation of the gears of conveying elements 304 301 306 is actuated by actuation mechanisms 303 305 307 , respectively. The rotation of each gear drives it along the track of its corresponding conveying element, thereby moving its corresponding vehicle carrier between two ends of the track.

In the embodiment shown in this illustration, vehicle carriers 302 301 309 are positioned in elevated right-side position, elevated central position and elevated left-side position, respectively. The length of conveying element 301 allows lifting of vehicle carrier 310 to a yet higher elevated position, to provide pathway for vehicle carriers 309 302 from their designated elevated positions to a central bottom position. The device further comprises a control system 308 configured as a computer with a large touch for controlling operation of the device.

Fig. 3b illustrates the device of Fig. 3a with four vehicles parked on it. A segment of road 314 is shown, with parking spaces in parallel to a segment of sidewalk 311 . A vehicle 315 is parked on vehicle carrier positioned in a right-side elevated position. Another vehicle 312 is parked on vehicle carrier positioned in a left-side elevated position. The left-side elevated position of vehicle carrier provides sufficient headroom to allow another vehicle 313 to park underneath it.

It can be appreciated that the device shown in Figs. 3a and 3b can refer to an embodiment of the device in accordance with the present invention comprising a chain movably installed through the length of each of the elongated solid elements 304 301 306. Each of vehicle carriers 302 310 309 is fixed to one area of the chain in its corresponding elongated solid element. Each chain may be installed on at least one pulley on the one of the ends of the elongated solid element. The rotation of the pulley, actuated by the actuation mechanism, pulls the chain to move along the elongated solid element such that the vehicle carrier fixed to one area of the chain moves with the chain along the elongated solid element. 294287/ Fig. 4 illustrates a method for parking and unparking of vehicles on the device for parking of vehicles in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In step 401 , three vehicle carriers are vacant, left-side vehicle carrier positioned in elevated left-side position, central vehicle carrier positioned in central bottom position and right-side vehicle carrier positioned in elevated right-side position. In step 402 , a vehicle parks on central vehicle carrier. In step 403 , central vehicle carrier is lifted by its corresponding conveying element with the vehicle parked on it to its designated elevated central position. In step 404 , right-side vehicle carrier is lowered by its corresponding conveying element to the now available central bottom position, standing by to receive another vehicle. In step 405 , a vehicle parks on the right-side vehicle carrier in central bottom position. In step 406 , right-side vehicle carrier is lifted by its corresponding conveying element with the vehicle parked on it to its designated elevated right-side position.

In step 407 , left-side vehicle carrier is lowered by its corresponding conveying element to the now available central bottom position, standing by to receive another vehicle. In step 408 , a vehicle parks on the left-side vehicle carrier in central bottom position. In step 409 , two additional vehicles park within the operational area of the device, one vehicle in a left-side bottom position and another vehicle in a right-side bottom position.

In this situation of five vehicles parked within the operational area of the device, each vehicle may be unparked at any stage without requiring the removal of any other vehicle from its parked position. The right-side vehicle carrier may be lifted by its corresponding vehicle carrier to its designated elevated right-side position, leaving clear path for each of the other two vehicle carriers to be lowered into the central bottom position in order to allow the vehicle parked on either of them to be unparked and driven away from the device.

The method shown herein demonstrates how the device of the present invention enables parking in multi-tier structure while using the middle column (central position) for parking another 294287/ vehicle without requiring its removal whenever another vehicle parks on on unparks from the device. This essentially provides a solution for utilizing the middle space in a multi-tier parking structure for parking another vehicle without blocking the path for parking or unparking of other vehicles in each of the sides of the structure.

Fig. 5 illustrates the dimensions of the operational space required for five vehicles to park on and under the device. In this embodiment, the device does not comprise tilting mechanisms for the vehicle carriers or angle adjustment mechanisms for the conveying elements. This restricts the movement of the vehicle carrier within a linear path between the central bottom position and its designated elevated position, and therefore requires larger gaps between vehicles parked on and under the device in order to provide sufficient space for each vehicle carrier to move between its designated elevated position and central bottom position without having it or the vehicle parked on it coming into contact with any other vehicle carrier or vehicle parked on or under the device. In the illustration shown here, the distance between the rear end of a vehicle 503 parked under the right-side vehicle carrier in its elevated right-side position and the front end of vehicle 502 parked under the left-side vehicle carrier in its elevated left-side position is approximately 23 meters. The distance between ground level and roof of vehicle 501 parked on central vehicle carrier in its elevated central position is approximately 5.80 meters.

Fig. 6a illustrates a close-up view of a vehicle carrier 603with a tilting mechanism. The vehicle carrier 603 is rotatably installed on its corresponding conveying element via a rotatable hinge 601 . The tilting mechanism 602 is configured to actuate partial rotation of the rotatable hinge 601 , thereby causing tilting of vehicle carrier 603 to change the angle its horizontal surface is positioned relative to ground surface, providing enhanced maneuverability for vehicle carrier 603 . Fig. 6b illustrates the vehicle carrier of Fig. 6a when tilted by the tilting mechanism. It can be appreciated that a vehicle carrier with a tilting mechanism may further comprise securing 294287/ means for securing a vehicle to the vehicle carrier in order to avoid it from rolling or sliding away when the vehicle carrier is tilted. Such securing means may be a set of retractable stoppers or bumpers, wheel fasteners or any other securing means known in the art.

Fig. 7a illustrates a close-up view of a conveying element configured as a telescopic shaft 705 comprising an angle adjustment mechanism. The angle adjustment mechanism comprises a lateral telescopic shaft 702 connected to base platform of the device via connection hinge 703 and connected to conveying element 705 via connection hinge 701 . Expansion and contraction of lateral telescopic shaft 702 affects the angle in which conveying element 705 is positioned relative to ground level, providing enhanced maneuverability for vehicle carrier installed on conveying element 705 . In order to allow its angle to be changed, conveying element 705 is connected to the base platform via connection hinge 704 .

Fig. 7billustrates the conveying element and angle adjustment mechanism shown in Fig. 7a , when lateral telescopic shaft is extended to adjust the angle of its corresponding conveying element to 90 degrees relative to ground surface.

Fig. 8 illustrates a method for parking and unparking of vehicles on the device for parking of vehicles in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Each of the conveying elements of the device shown in this illustration comprises an angle adjustment and each vehicle carrier comprises a tilting mechanism, providing enhanced maneuverability to all moving components of the device that allow minimizing the gaps between the vehicle carriers and reducing the overall operational area of the device.

In step 801 , three vehicle carriers are vacant, left-side vehicle carrier positioned in elevated left-side position, central vehicle carrier positioned in central bottom position and right-side vehicle carrier positioned in elevated right-side position. In step 802 , a vehicle parks on central vehicle carrier. In step 803 , central vehicle carrier is lifted by its corresponding conveying 294287/ element with the vehicle parked on it to its designated elevated central position. When reaching its designated elevated central position, the central vehicle carrier is tilted to the left by its tilting mechanism, and central conveying element is further extended and slightly rotated to the left by its angle adjustment mechanism. In the same time, right-side vehicle carrier is also tilted to the left by its tilting mechanism into an angle similar to the angle in which central vehicle carrier is positioned. In step 804 , right-side vehicle carrier is lowered by its corresponding conveying element to the now available central bottom position. Thanks to the angle and position in which both central vehicle carrier and right-side vehicle carrier are positioned, the right-side vehicle carrier can slide under the central vehicle carrier positioned above it without coming into contact with it. In step 805 , both central vehicle carrier in central elevated position and right- side vehicle carrier in central bottom position are straightened back to a horizontal position, putting the right-side vehicle carrier in standby to receive a vehicle. In step 806 , a vehicle parks on the right-side vehicle carrier in central bottom position. In step 807 , right-side vehicle carrier and central vehicle carrier return to their position shown in step 804 , to allow right-side vehicle carrier slide away from its position to an elevated right side position without it or the vehicle on it coming into contact with the central vehicle carrier. In step 808 , right-side vehicle carrier is moved by extension of its corresponding conveying element into an elevated right-side position. In step 809 , the central vehicle carrier is tilted to the right by its tilting mechanism, and central conveying element is further extended and slightly rotated to the right by its angle adjustment mechanism. In the same time, left-side vehicle carrier is also tilted to the right by its tilting mechanism into an angle similar to the angle in which central vehicle carrier is positioned. In step 810 , left-side vehicle carrier is lowered by its corresponding conveying element to the now available central bottom position. Thanks to the angle and position in which both central vehicle carrier and left-side vehicle carrier are positioned, the left-side vehicle carrier can slide under the central vehicle carrier positioned above it without coming into 294287/ contact with it. In step 811 , both central vehicle carrier in central elevated position and left-side vehicle carrier in central bottom position are straightened back to a horizontal position, putting the left-side vehicle carrier in standby to receive a vehicle. In step 812 , a vehicle parks on the left-side vehicle carrier in central bottom position. In step 813 , two vehicles park in the operational area of the device, one vehicle parks under the right-side vehicle carrier in a bottom right-side position and another vehicle parks in the bottom left-side position located under the elevated left-side position.

As can be noted in step 813 , the embodiment shown here allows five vehicles to park on the device and within an operational area which is roughly an equivalent of three parking spaces.

Each of the five vehicles shown here can be unparked without requiring removal of any other vehicle from its vehicle carrier or parking space, which means that no vehicle should be started up and driven other than the vehicle that unparks, and no human attendant is required to be present for operating the device. For example, if the owner of vehicle on right-side vehicle carrier is interested in entering its vehicle and driving away with it, they would only need to request the device to lower their vehicle to the central bottom position leveled with the ground surface, and then they would be able to enter the vehicle and unpark. In order to clear the central bottom position for the right-side vehicle carrier, the left-side vehicle carrier occupying it would need to be lifted to its designated elevated left-side position, and then the right-side vehicle carrier would be lowered into the central bottom position. It can be appreciated that the tilting mechanisms and angle adjustments mechanisms of the vehicle carriers would be required to coordinately tilt the vehicle carriers and change the angle of the conveying elements before, after, and in some cases also during movement of the vehicle carrier between positions, in order to avoid contact of the vehicle carrier and vehicle parked on it with any of the other vehicle carriers or vehicles parked on or under them. The coordinated movement of the conveying elements, tilting mechanisms and angle adjustment mechanism is centrally controlled by the 294287/ control system based on geometric and trigonometric analysis.

In the embodiment shown herein and specifically in step 813 , a sixth vehicle may be parked in central bottom position if the left-side vehicle carrier is moved with the vehicle on it, but in such a case, the unparking of any vehicle on any of the vehicle carriers would first require the vehicle in the central bottom position to unpark in order to allow any of the vehicle carriers to be lowered into the central bottom position.

Accessing the device by vehicle owner can be made either through a user interface installed in adjacent to the device, a mobile app on vehicle owner’s mobile device, voice activated system, facial recognition system or any other system known in the art for accessing and communicating with a computer.

Fig. 9 illustrates the dimensions of the operational space required for five vehicles to park on and under the device. In this embodiment, the device comprise tilting mechanisms for the vehicle carriers and angle adjustment mechanisms for the conveying elements. This increases maneuverability of the vehicle carriers when moving between the central bottom position and their designated elevated position, which allows minimizing the gaps between the vehicle carriers and reducing the operational area of the device. In the illustration shown here, the distance between the rear end of a vehicle 903 parked under the right-side vehicle carrier in its elevated right-side position and the front end of vehicle 902 parked under the left-side vehicle carrier in its elevated left-side position is approximately 16 meters. The distance between ground level and roof of vehicle 901 parked on central vehicle carrier in its elevated central position is approximately 3.60 meters.

Fig. 10a illustrates a device for parking of vehicles in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The device comprises a support structure 1005 having a central bottom parking position, an elevated tier with an elevated left-side parking position and an elevated 294287/ right-side parking position, and an elevated central parking position disposed on yet more elevated tier. A track system is disposed in the support structure 1005 to form slidable pathway between each elevated parking position and central bottom parking position.

Three vehicle carriers 1001 1002 1006 are slidably installed on the track system of the support structure 1005 . Left-side vehicle carrier 1006 is positioned in its designated elevated left-side parking position, right-side vehicle carrier 1002 is positioned in its designated elevated right- side parking position and central vehicle carrier 1001 is positioned in its designated elevated central position. Each of the vehicle carriers can slide on the track system from its designated elevated position through the center of the track system and to the central bottom parking position, to allow a vehicle to park on the vehicle carrier or unpark from it. Movement of the vehicle carriers on the track system is actuated by actuation mechanism 1004 . Control system 1003 controls the operation of the device.

Fig. 10b illustrates the device of Fig. 10a with vehicles parked on it. A segment of road 1009 is shown, with parking spaces in parallel to a segment of sidewalk 1010 . A vehicle 1007 is parked on vehicle carrier positioned in left-side elevated parking position. The left-side elevated parking position of vehicle carrier provides sufficient headroom to allow another vehicle 1008 to park underneath it.

Fig. 11 illustrates a method for parking and unparking of vehicles on the device for parking of vehicles in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In step 1101 , three vehicle carriers are vacant, left-side vehicle carrier positioned in elevated left-side position, central vehicle carrier positioned in central bottom position and right-side vehicle carrier positioned in elevated right-side position. In step 1102 , a vehicle parks on central vehicle carrier. In step 1103 , central vehicle carrier slides up with the vehicle on it to its designated elevated central position. In step 1104 , right-side vehicle carrier slides to the center of the track system. In step 294287/ 1105 , right-side vehicle carrier slides down to the now available central bottom position, standing by to receive another vehicle. In step 1106 , a vehicle parks on the right-side vehicle carrier in central bottom position. In step 1107 , right-side vehicle carrier slides with the vehicle on it to the center of the track system. In step 1108 , right-side vehicle carrier slides right with the vehicle on it to its designated elevated right-side position. In step 1109 , left-side vehicle carrier slides through the center of the track system to the now available central bottom position, standing by to receive another vehicle. In step 1110 , a vehicle parks on the left-side vehicle carrier in central bottom position. In step 1111 , two additional vehicles park within the operational area of the device, one vehicle in a left-side bottom position and another vehicle in a right-side bottom position.

Fig. 12 illustrates the dimensions of the operational space required for five vehicles to park on and under the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustration shown here, the distance between the rear end of a vehicle 1203 parked under the right-side vehicle carrier in its elevated right-side position and the front end of vehicle 1202 parked on left-side bottom position is approximately 16 meters. The distance between ground level and roof of vehicle 1201 parked on central vehicle carrier in its elevated central position is approximately 5.80 meters.

Fig. 13a illustrates a close-up view of a retractable stopper installed within the horizontal surface of a vehicle carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The retractable stopper in this illustration appears in its retracted state in proximity with a pair of wheels of vehicle parked on a vehicle carrier. Fig. 13billustrates the retractable stopper shown in Fig. 13b in its open state, engaging with the pair of wheels of vehicle parked on the vehicle carrier to prevent the vehicle from rolling or sliding in the direction of the retractable stopper.

It can be appreciated that another retractable stopper may be installed on the other side of the 294287/ vehicle carrier in proximity with the second pair of wheels of the vehicle parked on it, in order to secure the vehicle from both directions.

Fig. 14aillustrates a close-up view of a vehicle carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle carrier comprising a vertical surface 1402 and a horizontal surface 1401 , joined together by a joint 1403 allowing folding of the horizontal surface 1401 into upright position parallel to the vertical surface when the vehicle carrier is not in use. Fig. 14billustrates a close-up view of the vehicle carrier shown in Fig. 14a showing the horizontal surface of the vehicle carrier folded into an upright position. The joint of the vehicle carrier comprises a rotation track 1406 , a revolving bar 1405 engaging with rotation track 1406 and a rotation mechanism 1404 actuating the revolving bar 1405 .

Fig. 15aillustrates a close-up view of a vehicle carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, configured as a fork 1501 . Fig. 15billustrates the vehicle carrier shown in Fig. 15b engaging with the chassis of the vehicle 1502 parked on it.

Fig. 16aillustrates a close-up view of a vehicle carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, configured as an elongated bar 1601 comprising four pairs of retractable rods 1602 protruding from both side of the elongated bar in positions corresponding to position of wheels of a vehicle. Fig. 16billustrates a close-up view of the vehicle carrier shown in Fig.

Claims

C L A I M S

1. A device for parking of vehicles, comprising:i. At least three vehicle carriers;ii. At least three conveying elements, each conveying element corresponds to one of at least three vehicle carriers;iii. at least one actuation mechanism configured to actuate movement of each of said at least three conveying elements;iv. a control system; wherein each of said at least three vehicle carriers is installed on its corresponding conveying element; and wherein each of said at least three conveying elements is configured to move its corresponding vehicle carrier between its designated one of multiple elevated positions and a bottom central position.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least three conveying elements comprising:a left-side conveying element configured to allow movement of its corresponding vehicle carrier between an elevated left-side position and a bottom central position; anda central conveying element configured to allow movement of its corresponding vehicle carrier between an elevated central position and a bottom central position; anda right-side conveying element configured to allow movement of its corresponding vehicle carrier between an elevated right-side position and a bottom central position.

3. The device of any of claims 1-2, wherein at least one of said at least three conveying elements is a telescopic shaft having its corresponding vehicle carrier connected to its distal end, such that the vehicle carrier is movable by expansion and contraction of said telescopic shaft; andwherein said expansion and contraction of said telescopic shaft are actuated by said actuation mechanism.

4. The device of any of claims 1-2, wherein at least one of said at least three conveying elements is an elongated solid element comprising a chain movably installed throughout the length of said elongated solid element and actuated by said actuation mechanism; andwherein one of said at least three vehicle carriers corresponding to said elongated solid element is fixed to one area of said chain, such that movement of said chain mobilizes said one of said at least three vehicle carriers between two ends of said elongated solid element.

5. The device of any of claims 1-2, wherein at least one of said at least three of said conveying elements is an elongated solid element comprising a track extending throughout the length of said elongated solid element; andwherein a gear is movably installed on said track in a rack and pinion configuration and connected to one of said at least three vehicle carriers corresponding to said elongated solid element; and wherein said gear is actuated by said actuation mechanism such that rotation of said gear mobilizes said one of said at least three vehicle carriers between at least two ends of said elongated solid element.

6. The device of claim 3, wherein angle in which said telescopic shaft is positioned is adjustable; andwherein adjustment of angle of said telescopic shaft is actuated by an angle adjustment mechanism.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein said angle adjustment mechanism is configured to rotate said telescopic shaft during movement of its corresponding vehicle carrier between said bottom central position and its designated elevated position in order to avoid contact of vehicle carrier and vehicle parked on it with any of the remaining of at least three vehicle carriers and vehicles parked on or under any of the remaining of at least three vehicle carriers.

8. The device of any of claims 1-7, further comprising at least one proximity sensor installed on at least one of said vehicle carriers.

9. A device for parking of vehicles, comprising:i. At least three vehicle carriers;ii. a support structure comprising a central bottom parking position and multiple elevated parking positions comprising at least an elevated left-side parking position and an elevated right-side parking position disposed on both sides of elevated tier and an elevated central parking position disposed on yet more elevated tier;iii. a track system disposed on said support structure to form path between each elevated parking position and said central bottom parking position;iv. at least one actuation mechanism configured to actuate movement of each of said at least three vehicle carriers;v. a control system; wherein each of said at least three vehicle carriers is designated an elevated parking position; and wherein each of said at least three vehicle carriers is movably installed on said track system to allow each of said at least three vehicle carriers to move between its designated elevated position and a central bottom position.

10. The device of any of claims 1-9, wherein at least one vehicle carrier is rotatably installed on its corresponding conveying element and actuated by a tilting mechanism configured to controllably tilt said vehicle carrier.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein said tilting mechanism is configured to tilt said vehicle carrier during movement of its corresponding conveying element between said bottom central position and its designated elevated position in order to avoid contact of vehicle carrier and vehicle parked on it with any of the remaining of at least three vehicle carriers and vehicles parked on or under any of the remaining of at least three vehicle carriers.

12. The device of any of claims 1-11, wherein at least one of said vehicle carriers is comprising a joint allowing folding of a horizontal surface of said vehicle carrier into upright position when not occupied by vehicle.

13. The device of any of claims 1-12, wherein said control system is configured to coordinately control all of said at least three conveying elements.

14. The device of any of claims 1-13, wherein at least one of said at least three vehicle carriers is installed on its corresponding conveying element lengthwise, such as to allow vehicle to park on said vehicle carrier perpendicularly to its corresponding conveying element.

15. The device of any of claims 1-14, wherein at least one of said at least three vehicle carriers is installed on its corresponding conveying element widthwise, such as to allow vehicle to park on said vehicle carrier in parallel to its corresponding conveying element.

16. The device of any of claims 1-15, wherein at least one of said at least three vehicle carriers is configured as a fork engaging with the chassis of the vehicle parking on said vehicle carrier.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein said fork comprises at least two movable support barsengaging with the chassis of the vehicle parking on said vehicle carrier, each of said at least two movable support bars is capable of moving to adjust support position under the vehicle parked on said vehicle carrier.

18. The device of any of claims 1-17, wherein at least one of said at least three vehicle carriers is configured as an elongated bar positioned across length of vehicle; andwherein said elongated bar comprising at least four pairs of retractable rods each corresponding to different wheel of vehicle and configured to engage wheel of vehicle from its front and rear sides, thereby limiting movement of vehicle.

19. The device of any of claims 1-18, wherein at least one of said at least three vehicle carriers further comprising at least one retractable stopper in contact with at least one pair of wheels of vehicle parked on said vehicle carrier.

20. The device of any of claims 1-19, wherein at least one of said at least three vehicle carriers comprises an alignment mechanism for aligning vehicle parked on said vehicle carrier.

21. A method of using the device of any of claims 1-20 for parking and unparking vehicles, comprising the steps:i. All but one of said at least three vehicle carriers are positioned each in its designated elevated position, while the remaining vehicle carrier is positioned in said bottom central position;ii. Vehicle is transported and parked on said vehicle carrier positioned in said bottom central position;iii. Said vehicle carrier positioned in said bottom central position is moved by said at least one actuation mechanism into its designated elevated position with vehicle parked on it;iv. Another one of said at least three vehicle carriers not occupied by vehicle is moved by said at least one actuation mechanism into said bottom central position, standing by to receive another vehicle;v. For parking, steps ii-iv are repeated for each vehicle carrier not occupied by vehicle, and for unparking, steps ii-iv are reversely repeated for each vehicle carrier occupied by vehicle.