US20180371780A1

US20180371780A1 - Methods and Apparatus for a Modular Parking System

Info

Publication number: US20180371780A1
Application number: US16/019,805
Authority: US
Inventors: Daniel J. Wilhelm; II Daniel J. Wilhelm; Jerry W. Levan
Original assignee: Doxa Central LLC
Current assignee: Doxa Central LLC
Priority date: 2017-06-27
Filing date: 2018-06-27
Publication date: 2018-12-27
Also published as: US20200308860A1

Abstract

A modular parking system comprising at least one modular parking structure for use on a ground surface comprising a pair of opposing horizontal support members, a pair of opposing end plates, vertical support members, and a parking surface. The opposing end plates are coupled to the opposing horizontal support members. The vertical support members are coupled to at least one end plate. The parking surface is coupled to an upper surface of the pair of horizontal support members, positioned above the ground surface, and oriented generally horizontally. The modular parking system may also comprise a levelling system configured to align the modular parking structure, a laser monitoring system configured to monitor the height of each modular parking structure, a fire suppression system, and an electrical management system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/525,327, filed Jun. 27, 2017 and this application incorporates the disclosure of all such applications by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A common problem in many central district or “downtown” urban areas is the lack of parking spaces. Commercial buildings constructed twenty or more years ago predominately relied on surface parking to satisfy code requirements and tenant needs. It was common to see an allocation of 250 square feet per person when space planning. Today we often see 86-100 square feet per person. The relationship of office space to required parking spaces has grown from 3.5 spaces per thousand square feet to 6 or 7 per thousand square feet.
Property owners and city planners recognize the need to increase parking and desire to build or enlarge existing parking but are constrained because all their available space is currently fully committed to parking. Commercial buildings, airports, rail stations, shopping malls, museums and other properties all share the common problem of limited parking capacity and land utility.
Construction or re-construction projects at these types of facilities are inevitable. Continued development or re-development is critical to the success or failure of the urban area. The problem more clearly defined is “where and how to relocate and maintain customer/client parking during the construction process while at the same time facilitating a safe and efficient project.”
This invention provides on a rental bases, temporary, relocatable and reusable elevated parking effectively doubling existing parking capacity while safely separating construction activity from normal operations. The installation and removal is fast and efficient with little disruption to normal activity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary modular parking system having at least one modular parking structure for use on a ground surface may comprise a pair of opposing horizontal support members, a pair of opposing end plates, two pairs of vertical support members having first and second ends, a parking surface coupled to an upper surface of the pair of horizontal support members,
The modular parking system may comprise a levelling system configured to align the modular parking structure. The leveling system may comprise a helical anchor and a column jack. The helical anchor may be coupled to a lower surface of a baseplate; wherein the helical anchor is configured to secure the vertical support member to the ground surface. The column jack may be coupled to the vertical support member. The column jack may comprise a foot and an adjustment mechanism. The foot may reside on an upper surface of the baseplate and the adjustment mechanism allows the height of the vertical support member to be raised or lowered;
The modular parking system may comprise a laser monitoring system configured to monitor the height of each modular parking structure. The laser monitoring system may comprise a transmitter installed at a first end of the modular parking structure and a receiver installed at a second end of the modular parking structure, wherein if a height of the modular parking structure moves more than half an inch, the laser monitoring system will send an alert.
The modular parking system may comprise a fire suppression system. The fire system may comprise a main conduit, a delivery conduit and a plurality of sprinklers. The a main conduit may be coupled to the modular parking structure adjacent the end plates and having a pair of ends. The delivery conduit may be coupled to the main conduit between the pair of ends of the main conduit and extends along the length of the modular parking structures under the support surface. The plurality of sprinklers may be coupled to the delivery conduit.
The modular parking system may comprise an electrical management system. The electrical management system may comprise and electrical conduit, a main distribution line, and a plurality of junction boxes and lights.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appending claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1A is a top view illustrating a modular parking system deployed within a designated area in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view illustrating a modular parking system deployed within a designated area in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 2 is an additional embodiment of a top view illustrating a modular parking system;

FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating modular parking structures in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a side view and an exploded view illustrating the modular parking structures in accordance with various embodiments;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are side views illustrating a leveling system, a column jack, and a helical anchor in accordance with various embodiments;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are top and side views illustrating a fire detection system in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a side view and an exploded view illustrating portions of the fire detection system, an electrical system, and the modular parking structure in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a side view and an exploded view illustrating portions of a guard rail and the modular parking structure in accordance with various embodiments; and

FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating the guard rail of the modular parking structures in accordance with various embodiments.

Elements and steps in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence. For example, steps that may be performed concurrently or in a different order are illustrated in the figures to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present technology may be described in terms of functional block components and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of components configured to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results. For example, the present technology may employ various types of building materials such as steel, and the like. In addition, the present technology may be practiced in conjunction with any type of construction equipment and construction techniques. Methods and apparatus for a modular parking system according to various aspects of the present technology may operate in conjunction with any system or device to provide parking capabilities for vehicle parking.
The present technology relates to a modular parking system. A typical modular parking system has an anticipated life cycle of 25 to 30 years. At the end of its useful service life this system is almost entirely recyclable. The modular parking system is capable of fast, efficient non-obtrusive installation over an existing parking area effectively doubling the previous parking capacity. The modular parking system meets all local building codes for a temporary structure.
The modular parking system is offered to combat the existing and expanding problem or lack of parking in congested areas. Each module may consist of pre-assembled, specialized, individual components that can be joined/assembled on the job site in mere hours verses many months that are required to build a standard parking deck. The modular parking system is a structural platform capable of supporting normal parking activity or construction related storage and staging activity.
The modular parking system can be installed and removed much faster and more efficiently that standard parking garages. The modular parking system can be installed over varying terrain conditions and can be configured to any shape or size to accommodate 50 or 500 or 5000 cars. The modular parking system reduces the overall impact that parking has on the environment by increasing the capacity of the existing space.
Referring to FIG. 1A, in one embodiment, a modular parking system 100 may be configured to be built and/or erected on or within a designated area 102. For example, the designated area 102 may comprise an area near a building and/or construction site. The designated area 102 may comprise any suitable space to erect a building structure. The designated area 102 may comprise a variety of conditions such as flat, sloped, dry, wet, surfaced, unsurfaced, and/or the like.
Now referring to FIGS. 1A-3, in one embodiment, the modular parking system 100 may comprise a plurality of modular parking structures 104. Each of the plurality of modular parking structures 104 may be configured to function individually as a parking structure, wherein vehicles are parked on a first floor or second floor of the individual the modular parking system 100. The individual modular parking structure 104 may comprise a fire management system, an electrical management system, and a levelling system. The fire management system and the electrical management system may be configured to be detachably coupled to the fire and/or electrical management systems of another modular parking structure 104. FIGS. 1A and 1B show the modular parking system 100 with a pair of rows of modular parking structures 104 while FIG. 2 shows a single row of modular parking structures 104. The modular parking system 100 may comprises any suitable configuration of modular parking structures 104.
The modular parking system 100 may comprise a ramp 106 or a plurality of ramps 106, which may be detachably coupled to the modular parking structure 104 of the modular parking system 100. The plurality of ramps 106 may comprise a pedestrian ramp 109 and/or a vehicle ramp 106. The plurality of ramps 106 may vary in size depending on the available of space within the designated area 102 and/or other considerations such as cost, speed of deployment, condition of the land, and/or the like. The plurality of ramps 106 may be disposed at any suitable position along the perimeter of the modular parking system 100.
Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and 7, in one embodiment, the modular parking structure 104 may comprise a parking surface 108, horizontal support members 110, end plates 111, and vertical support members 112. Each of the parking surface 108, horizontal support members 110, end plates 111, and vertical support members 112 may be constructed of structural steel. The horizontal support members 110, end plates 111, and vertical support members 112 are configured to provide structural support to the parking surface 108 of the modular parking structure 104. The horizontal support members 110 run transverse of the modular parking structure 104 and support the parking surface 108.
In one embodiment, the end plates 111 may be coupled to the horizontal support members 110 which run transverse of the modular parking structure 104. Each end of the horizontal support members 110 may be coupled to end plates 111. The end plates 111 may be coupled to a first end of the vertical support members 112. The parking surface 108 may be coupled to the horizontal support members 110, wherein the parking surface 108 divides the modular parking structure 104 between a first floor and a second floor. The parking surface 108 may comprise the surface on which vehicles and pedestrians travel. The horizontal and vertical support members 110, 112 and the end plates 111 may comprise any suitable system or device configured to provide structural support to the modular parking structure 104. The horizontal and vertical support members 110, 112 and the end plates 111 may comprise I-beams that are configured to withstand the load of the parking surface and the vehicles placed thereon. The vertical support member 112 may be coupled to the horizontal support member 110 using any suitable system or device. For example, the vertical support member 112 may be coupled to the horizontal support member 110 using a fastener configured to detachably couple the vertical support member 112 to the horizontal support member 110. The entire modular parking structure 104 consists of structural steel bolted connections using structural steel fasteners. Each bolt receives final tightening with a calibrated torque wrench.
The vertical support member 112 may be coupled to the horizontal support member 110 and end plates 111 in such a way as to allow varying degrees of movement to absorb forces provided by vehicles as they travel within and rest upon the modular parking structure 104. The vertical support member 112 may be further coupled to the horizontal support member 110 and end plates 111 using quick-connect type of connections to facilitate the rapid deployment and take-down of the modular parking structure 104.
The modular parking structure 104 may comprise a plurality of vertical support members 112 depending on the specified requirements. For example, fewer vertical support members 104 may be utilized if the modular parking structure 104 is not expected to house many vehicles, particularly on the second floor. In another example, a greater number of vertical support members 112 may be utilized in a modular parking structure 104 that is expected to house numerous vehicles, particularly on the second floor. The number of vertical support members 112 needed for a particular modular parking structure 104 may further depend on various building codes, standards, regulations, and/or the like. Furthermore, the number of vertical support members 112 may be determined based on the cost, speed of deployment, area the modular parking structure 104 will be deployed over, and/or the like. In one embodiment, the modular parking structure 104 may comprise 4 vertical support members 112, 2 horizontal support members 110, 2 end plates 111, and the parking surface 108. If an additional modular parking structure is added to the original modular parking structure 104, the additional modular parking structure may include an additional pair of vertical support members 112, 2 horizontal support members 110, 2 end plates 111, and the parking surface 108. The additional modular parking structure would utilize a pair of the vertical support members 112 from the original modular parking structure. It should be understood that the modular parking system 100 may include as many modular parking structures 104 as necessary for required parking capacity.
The vertical support members 112 may comprise varying and/or adjustable lengths. The particular length of the vertical support member 112 may be determined in part by the condition of the designated area 102. For example, if the designated area 102 on which the modular parking system 100 is deployed is substantially flat, then the plurality of vertical support members 112 may comprise substantially the same lengths. If the designated area 102 comprises sloped and/or uneven surfaces, the plurality of vertical support members 112 may comprise different lengths to accommodate for the sloped and/or uneven surface.
In one embodiment, the parking surface 108 may comprise a finished surface to protect itself against adverse weather conditions such as water, dirt, dust, and debris. The parking surface 108 may comprise various access points configure to provide access from the second floor to the first floor for maintenance and/or repair purposes.
In one embodiment, the vertical support member 112 may comprise a second end that is coupled to and/or secured by a baseplate 114. A baseplate 114 may be configured to provide structural stability and support to the vertical support members 112 when the modular parking structure 104 is erected. The baseplate 114 may be secured to a mounting surface. For example, to prevent the base plates 114 from shifting and/or moving, the base plates 114 may be secured directly to the mounting surface, which may comprise concrete, asphalt, or any other surface where the modular parking structure 104 is installed. The baseplate 114 may be disposed on the mounting surface or may be disposed under the mounting surface. For example, if the modular parking structure 104 is erected on a sloping land, the base plates 114 may need to be secured beneath the ground instead of on the surface of the ground. The base plates 114 may comprise any suitable system or device configured to support a vertical support member 104.
Typical concrete foundations such as grade beams or caissons requiring earth excavation/removal are not required with the present configuration. The modular parking system 100 is easily installed as the parking surface 108, horizontal support members 110 are supported by the vertical support members 112 and base plates 114 that distribute the load effectively to the existing underlying mounting surface.
In another embodiment, referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the baseplate 114 may be secured to the mounting surface by a levelling system 116. The levelling system 116 may comprise a helical anchorage system that provides provide seismic stability and wind uplift support.
Prior to modular parking system 100 installation a geotechnical study is completed at each site to determine the underlying soil conditions. Once soil conditions are known the size of the column baseplate 114 and anchorage requirements of the levelling system 116 can be determined by structural engineers.
The leveling system 116 may comprise a column jack 118 and a helical anchor 120. The column jack 118 may reside within the vertical support member 112 and is configured to be vertically adjustable in order to level the modular parking structure 104. The column jack 118 may comprise an internal vertical adjustment mechanism 122 and a foot 124, which may be raised or lowered by the vertical adjustment mechanism 122. The vertical adjustment system 122 may be raised or lowered by a hand crank (not shown) which is received in an aperture 123 on the vertical adjustment system 122. The hand crank may be rotated about the aperture 123 to move the vertical support member up 112 and down.
The foot 124 typically may reside on an upper surface of the baseplate 114. The baseplate 114 is coupled to the vertical support member 112 by at least one connector 126. A first end of the connector 126 is coupled to the base plate 114 and a second end of the connector 126 is coupled to the vertical support member 112. While a bolted connection 128 is shown any suitable coupling method may be used.
The helical anchor 120 may be coupled to a lower surface of the baseplate 114 and extends downwardly into the ground. The helical anchor 120 provides seismic stability via compression and wind uplift support via tension when ground conditions are not optimal. Uplift and seismic issues are addressed via the strategic use of helical anchors 120 both in compression and in tension.
In use, the modular parking system 100 features a leveling system 116 at the base of each vertical support member 112. In one embodiment, the levelling system 116 may be capable of 28,000 lbs. lifting capacity. The column jack 118 of the leveling system 116 makes it possible to install the modular parking system 100 over existing parking lots without concern of minor elevation/grade changes since the internal adjustment mechanism 122 of the column jack 118 allows the vertical support members 112 to be raised or lowered. The helical anchor 120 is installed in the mounting surface and the baseplate 114 is coupled to the helical anchor 120. As such, the helical anchor 120 works in conjunction with the ground material to attached to the mounting surface both in tension and compression. The column jack 118, which is coupled to the baseplate 114 by the connector 126 can raise or lower the vertical support member 112. Furthermore, after installation, the modular parking system 100 has a +/−2% camber away from the center of each modular parking structure 104 to facilitate rainwater runoff and loading flexure of the system.
Due to the sophistication of the equipment used in the installation of the leveling system 116 a direct pressure reading is available to insure the required stability and holding capacity of the helical anchors 120 has been achieved in any soil condition. While minor settlement is expected and subsequently addressed by using the leveling jacks on each column significant settlement is not anticipated to occur due to the base plates positioned under each column. Should excessive settlement occur after installation additional helical anchors 120 and column jacks 118 can be provided to address the issue. At the completion of the project the helical anchors 120 may be removed and reused on the next temporary project.
As the modular parking system 100 does not require a foundation in the normal sense there is a possibility of some minor settlement occurring at the site of each vertical support member 112. Accordingly, each modular parking structure 104 may be monitored by a laser system similar to those used during the construction of large buildings.
Transmitters (not shown) may be installed at one end of the structure and receivers (not shown) may be installed at the other end. The transmitters and receivers may be installed in any suitable position. In one embodiment, the transmitter and receiver may be installed adjacent the end plate 111 of the modular parking structure 104. Any movement of any main structural member exceeding 0.50 inch will initiate an auto telecommunications notification system requiring maintenance staff to investigate. If desired, when notification is activated lift gates can be programed to close to prevent additional vehicles from entering the parking area until maintenance staff have responded. The telecommunications notification system may comprise any suitable notification system capable of submitting an alert upon triggering by the laser monitoring system.
Now referring to FIGS. 4, 6A, and 6B, in one embodiment, each individual modular parking structure 104 within the modular parking system 100 may comprise a fire detection system 130. The fire detection system 130 may comprise any suitable system or device configured to provide fire sensing, combating, and/or reporting services to the modular parking structure 104 and/or modular parking system 100. The fire detection system 130 each modular parking structure 104 may be configured to be detachably coupled to the fire detection system 130 of a second modular parking structure. The fire detection system 130 may be disposed within the modular parking structure 104 at any suitable location.
In one embodiment, the fire detection system 130 may be configured to detect when a fire has occurred within and/or around the modular parking structure 104. The fire detection system 130 may comprise any suitable system or device configured to detect a fire including smoke detectors, heat sensors, cameras, and/or the like. The fire detection system 130 may be configured to automatically trigger the release of fire suppressant material and/or the fire detection system 130 may be configured to report the presence of the fire to a third party or first responder. The fire detection system 130 may further provide an alert to first responders alerting them of the fire.
Referring now to FIGS. 6-7, the fire detection system 130 may comprise a main conduit 131, delivery conduit 134 and sprinklers 132 in each module. Each of components of the fire detection system 130 are constructed of mild steel or any other suitable material. The delivery conduit 134 and sprinklers 132 are installed in such a manner and location that they are shielded from damage during transportation and storage. In one embodiment, the main conduit 131 may be installed adjacent the end plate 111. In one embodiment, the delivery conduit 134 and sprinklers 132 may be permanently installed. The main conduit 131 is connected to a water supply at a hose connection 138. The delivery conduit 134 may be supported by a brace 142. The main conduit 131 of the fire detection system 130 is pre-cut and grooved to accept flexible connectors and fittings (not shown). As such, the fire detection system 130 manages structure settlement and expansion contraction cycles without leakage. Further, the main conduit 131 and the delivery conduit 134 are configured to assist in management of the expansion and contraction of the modular parking system 100. The main conduit 131 and the delivery conduit 134 are coupled to the modular parking structure 104 by a series of brackets 140 located along the length of the modular parking structure 104.
The branch piping size of the main conduit 131 and the delivery conduit 134 remain constant throughout and utilize standard fire department standpipe Siamese connections, meaning supply water can be provided from either end of the modular parking structure 104 without restriction. Furthermore the main conduits 131 of adjacent modular parking structures 104 may be connected utilizing a flexible conduit (not shown). For example, the main conduits 131 of adjacent modular parking structures 104 may be connected utilizing a seal tight conduit as is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
In use, when the fire detection system 130 determines that a fire is occurring, the fire detection system 130 may trigger the release of fire suppressant materials to the site of the fire via sprinklers 132. The sprinklers 132 may receive the fire suppressant material via the delivery conduit 134. The fire detection system 130 may be configured to release fire suppressant material at the site of the modular parking structure 104 and/or modular parking system 100. The fire detection system 130 may be configured to interface with a communication system (not shown) electronically coupled to the modular parking structure 104 and/or the modular parking system 100 such that the fire detection system 130 may transmit the notice of fire to the first responder. The modular parking structure 104 and/or modular parking system 100 may comprise its own independent water source or fire suppressant material, or the modular parking structure 104 and/or modular parking system 100 may be coupled to another water source such as that provided by a city.
The entire fire detection system 130 is designed to be reusable and be installed without cutting or threading pipe on site. The fire detection system 130 is capable of quick installation and de-construction when the temporary use of the modular parking structure 104 and/or modular parking system 100 is completed. The fire detection system 130 complies with standard code required parking facility fire protection system requirements and the modular system is 100% reusable on the next temporary assignment.
After each deployment, the fire detection system 130 is drained and the main conduit 132 is capped at both ends to prevent fowling by foreign matter. If a long storage period is expected the main conduit 132 and the delivery conduit 134 can be charged with nitrogen to deter rust from the piping interior.
The water for the fire detection system 130 may be obtained from a fire hydrant feed. The fire detection system 130 may controlled by a compact weather proof assembly containing a water supply shutoff valve, a sprinkler system fire protection valve, alarm line pressure switches, and a valve position supervisory switch. The communication system may comprise an alert to fire agencies. Supervisory alerts may be routed through a UL listed cellular communications panel designed and approved for fire service. Some examples of communication systems for the fire detection system may include a Honeywell Commercial Fire Communication radio, model number iGSMCFP4G or any other suitable communication. Honeywell's iGSMCFP4G Commercial Fire Alarm Communicator is fully compliant with NFPA 72 2013 requirements. The secure, reliable iGSMCFP4G may send messages from a Honeywell VISTA fire alarm control panel (not shown).
In one embodiment, each individual modular parking structure 104 within the modular parking system 100 may comprise an electrical management system 141. The electrical management system 141 may comprise any suitable system or device configured to provide electrical services to and/or for the modular parking structure 104 and/or modular parking system 100. The electrical management system 141 of each modular parking structure 104 may be configured to be detachably coupled to an electrical management system of a second modular parking structure. The electrical management system 141 may be disposed within the modular parking structure 104 at any suitable location.
In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the electrical management system 142 may comprise any suitable system or device configured to provide, distribute, and manage electrical power consumption by the modular parking structure 104 and/or modular parking system 100. The electrical management system 142 may comprise an electrical conduit 144 and lights (not shown). For example, the electrical management system 141 may be configured to provide electrical power to lights. The lights may be configured to receive electrical power via the electrical conduit 144. The electrical conduit 144 may comprise a main distribution line 148 and a plurality of junction boxes 150. The lights may be located anywhere along the main distribution line. In one embodiment, the lights are located adjacent the junction boxes 150. The electrical management system 142 may further be configured to provide electrical power to various electronic components of the modular parking structure 104 such as electronic gates, parking ticket issuance and payment system, security system, video recording system, license plate reader, and/or the like. The electrical management system 142 may be configured to receive electrical power from a dedicated electrical line which is connected to the electrical conduit 144, the main distribution line 148, or the electrical management system 142 may be configured to operate on battery, generator power, solar panel system, and the like.
In one embodiment, the electrical management system 142 of a first modular parking structure may be electrically coupled to the electrical management system 142 of a second modular parking structure 104. The electrical management system 142 of the first modular parking structure 104 may be coupled to the electrical management system 142 of a second modular parking structure 104 using any suitable system or device configured to electrically couple two electrical systems together. For example, the electrical conduit 144 of the first modular parking structure 104 may be electrically coupled to the electrical conduit 144 of a second modular parking structure 104.
In one embodiment, each modular parking structure 104 will have pre-installed distribution line 148 and a plurality of junction boxes 150 pre-positioned at the location of the lights under the modular parking structure 104 and at each end thereof. The junction boxes 150 at each end serve to provide connectivity to the modular parking structure 104 and also connectivity to lighting above the structure.
In one embodiment the distribution line 148 may be installed along the length of the modular parking structure 104. Power for the electrical management system 142 typically can be connected to existing lighting system feeds. If additional power is required, connection to a nearby building and/or aerial feed is possible. Connection between the electrical conduit 144 may comprise flexible twist lock connectors and waterproof cable. In one embodiment, the electrical conduit 144 of adjacent modular parking structures 104 may be connected utilizing a flexible conduit (not shown). For example, the electrical conduit 144 of adjacent modular parking structures 104 may be connected utilizing a seal tight conduit as is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, each modular parking structure 104 may comprise a guard rail 152. The guard rail 152 may be coupled to an upper surface of the parking surface 108 or the vertical support members 112. The attachment may comprise any suitable attachment methods. In one embodiment, the modular parking structure may comprise a cosmetic enhancement 154. The cosmetic enhancement 154 may be coupled to the guard rail 152. The cosmetic enhancement 154 may comprise reinforced fiberglass art panels. The panels can be made to appear as decorative stone or if desired can be used as an art “canvas” to display murals or announce coming events. The panels are 100% reusable and can be modified to address site specific needs. Mounting is accomplished via structural mounting points on each the guard rails 152. In one embodiment, attachment may occur through nut and bolt connections.
In one embodiment the transmitters and receivers may be installed adjacent the main conduit 132 and/or the electrical conduit 144 the along the width of the end of the modular parking structure 104.
The technology has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes, however, may be made without departing from the scope of the present technology. The description and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than a restrictive one and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present technology. Accordingly, the scope of the technology should be determined by the generic embodiments described and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the specific examples described above. For example, the steps recited in any method or process embodiment may be executed in any order, unless otherwise expressly specified, and are not limited to the explicit order presented in the specific examples. Additionally, the components and/or elements recited in any apparatus embodiment may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations to produce substantially the same result as the present technology and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the specific examples.
Benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments; however, any benefit, advantage, solution to problems or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage or solution to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required or essential features or components.
As used herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials or components used in the practice of the present technology, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.
The present technology has been described above with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiment without departing from the scope of the present technology. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present technology, as expressed in the following claims.

Claims

1. A modular parking system comprising at least one modular parking structure for use on a ground surface comprising:

a first modular parking structure comprising:

a pair of opposing horizontal support members each having a first end and a second end;

a pair of opposing end plates, wherein:

a first end plate is coupled to the first end of the pair of opposing horizontal support members; and

a second plate is coupled to the second end of the pair of opposing horizontal support members;

two pairs of vertical support members having first and second ends, wherein each vertical support member is coupled to at least one end plate;

a parking surface coupled to an upper surface of the pair of horizontal support members, wherein the parking surface is positioned above the ground surface and oriented generally horizontally;

a plurality of baseplates, wherein the number of plurality of baseplates corresponds to the number of vertical support members; and

a levelling system coupled to the two pairs of vertical support members and the plurality of baseplates, wherein the levelling system is configured to align the modular parking structure.

2. The modular parking system of claim 1, further comprising a second modular parking structure comprising:

a pair of horizontal support members each having a first end and a second end;

a pair of opposing end plates, wherein:

a pair of vertical support members spaced apart from the vertical support members of the first modular parking structure and having first and second ends, wherein each vertical support member is coupled to at least one end plate;

a levelling system configured to align the first modular parking structure with the second modular parking structure comprising:

a helical anchor coupled to a lower surface of the base plate; wherein the helical anchor is configured to secure the vertical support member to the ground surface; and

a column jack coupled to the vertical support member comprising a foot and an adjustment mechanism, wherein the foot resides on an upper surface of the baseplate and the adjustment mechanism allows the height of the vertical support member to be raised or lowered.

3. The modular parking system of claim 2, further comprising a laser monitoring system configured to monitor the height of each modular parking structure comprising:

a transmitter installed at an end of the first modular parking structure; and

a receiver installed at an end of the second modular parking structure, wherein if a height of either modular parking structure moves more than half an inch, the laser monitoring system will send an alert.

4. The modular parking system of claim 2, further comprising a fire suppression system comprising:

a main conduit coupled to the modular parking structures adjacent the end plates and having a pair of ends, wherein the ends of main conduit between the first modular parking structure and the second parking structure are coupled by a flexible conduit;

a delivery conduit coupled to the main conduit between the pair of ends of the main conduit and extending along the length of the modular parking structures under the support surface; and

a plurality of sprinklers coupled to the delivery conduit.

5. The modular parking system of claim 4, wherein one of the pair of ends of the main conduit is connected to a water source.

6. The modular parking system of claim 5, wherein the fire detection system comprises a communication system configured to initiate flow of fire suppressant from the sprinklers upon detection of a fire.

7. The modular parking system of claim 4, wherein the main conduit and delivery conduit are constructed of mild steel.

8. The modular parking system of claim 1, wherein the horizontal support members, the vertical support members, the support surface, and the end plates are constructed from structural steel.

9. The modular parking system of claim 1, wherein the wherein the horizontal support members, the vertical support members, the support surface, and the end plates are coupled together using a stainless steel bolted connection.

10. The modular parking system of claim 1, wherein the horizontal support members are I-beams.

11. The modular parking system of claim 1, wherein the levelling system comprises:

a helical anchor coupled to a lower surface of the baseplate; wherein the helical anchor is configured to secure the vertical support member to the ground surface; and

12. The modular parking system of claim 11, wherein the adjustment mechanism further comprises a hand crank.

13. The modular parking system of claim 2, further comprising an electrical management system comprising:

an electrical conduit coupled to the modular parking structures adjacent the end plates comprising:

a main distribution line coupled to the electrical conduit and extending along the length of the modular parking structure under the support surface; and

a plurality of junction boxes coupled to the main distribution line; and

a plurality of lights coupled to the modular parking structure adjacent the plurality of junction boxes.

14. The modular parking system of claim 1, further comprising a ramp configured to allow a vehicle to access the support surface from the ground surface.

15. A modular parking system comprising at least one modular parking structure for use on a ground surface comprising:

a pair of opposing end plates, wherein:

a levelling system configured to align the modular parking structure comprising:

a column jack coupled to the vertical support member comprising a foot and an adjustment mechanism, wherein the foot resides on an upper surface of the baseplate and the adjustment mechanism allows the height of the vertical support member to be raised or lowered;

a laser monitoring system configured to monitor the height of each modular parking structure comprising:

a transmitter installed at a first end of the modular parking structure; and

a receiver installed at a second end of the modular parking structure, wherein if a height of the modular parking structure moves more than half an inch, the laser monitoring system will send an alert;

a fire suppression system comprising:

a main conduit coupled to the modular parking structure adjacent the end plates and having a pair of ends,

a plurality of sprinklers coupled to the delivery conduit.

16. The modular parking system of claim 15, further comprising an electrical management system, comprising:

a plurality of junction boxes coupled to the main distribution line; and

17. The modular parking system of claim 15, wherein the main conduit and delivery conduit are constructed of mild steel.

18. The modular parking system of claim 15, wherein the horizontal support members, the vertical support members, the support surface, and the end plates are constructed from structural steel.

19. The modular parking system of claim 15, wherein the wherein the horizontal support members, the vertical support members, the support surface, and the end plates are coupled together using a stainless steel bolted connection.

20. A modular parking system comprising at least one modular parking structure for use on a ground surface comprising:

a pair of opposing end plates, wherein:

a transmitter installed at a first end of the modular parking structure; and

a fire suppression system comprising:

a plurality of sprinklers coupled to the delivery conduit; and

an electrical management system comprising:

a plurality of junction boxes coupled to the main distribution line; and