US2073721A

US2073721A - Automobile storage device

Info

Publication number: US2073721A
Application number: US421660A
Authority: US
Inventors: Edwin M Wheelock
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1930-01-18
Filing date: 1930-01-18
Publication date: 1937-03-16
Anticipated expiration: 1954-03-16

Description

March 16, 1937. E. M. WHEELOCK AUTOMOBILE STORAESE DEVICE Original Fiied Jan. 18 1930 7 Sheets-"Sheet l w-mE mW N UM m. mm W x M Z u? m.

March 16, 1937.

E. M. WHEELOCK AUTOMOBILE STORAGE DEVICE Original Filed Jan. 18, 1950 I 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 /Yliforneys March 16, 1937. WHEE} QCK 2073,721

AUTOMOBILE STORAGE DEVI CE Original Filed Jan. 18, 1930 7 Sheefs-Sheet 3 fzorneys March 16, 1937. r-:. M. WHEELOCK AUTOMOBILE STORAGE DEVICE Original Filed Jan. 18, 1930 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 In ven for: E M W/z eelock.

March 16, 1937. M WHEELOCK AUTOMOBILE STORAGE DEVICE 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed Jan. 18, 1930 v March 1937. E. M. WHEELOCK V 2073721 AUTOMOBILE STORAGE DEVICE Original Filed Jan. 18, 1930 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented Mar. 16, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE AUTOMOBILE STORAGE DEVICE Edwin M. Wheelock, Minneapolis, Minn.

Application January 18, 1.930, Serial N0. 421,660 Renewed July 20, 1936 17 Claims.

My invention relates to automobile storage devices, and an object in general is to improve upon prior devices of this kind. In my Patent Number 1849,470 I have disclosed and. claimed an automobile storage device Which includes an elevator adapted to cooperate with alleyways on various f1oors of a building, a truck carried. by the elevator and upon which automobiles may be placed for raising and lowering them by the elevator, and. power operated mechanism for running the truck on the alleyways back and forth with relation to the elevator, and I have further disclosed and claimed. an electric motor mounted on the truck for driving the Same, a. winding 1 drum mounted on the elevator, and conducting cables 011 the winding drum connected with the motor for supplying current thereto. In my Patent Number 1977785, I have disclosed and claimed an automobile storage dtavice which includes an elevator adapted to cooperate with the various fioors of a building, an extensible mechanism carried by the elevator for pushing and pullirig automobiles, means for connecting the extensible mechanism with automobiles, and. mechanism for projecting the extensible mechanism fr ab least the 1ength of an automobile and for retracting the extensible mechanism. In my Patent Number 2,04'7347, I have disclosed and claimed an automobile storage device which 30 includes an elevator adapted to cooperate with the various floors 01 a building, an extensible mechanism carried by the elevator for pushing and. pulling automobiles, and. mechanism for projecting the extensible mechanism for ab least the length of an automobile in two opposite directions from the elevator and for retracting the extensible mechanism, and I have furfiher disclosed andclaimed a truck carried by the elevator and upon Which the extensible mechanism is mounted in combination with power operated mechanism for running the truck on alleyways back and forth With relation 110 two sides cf the elevator at right angles to the direction in which the extensible mechanism is capable of being projected.

Particular objects of the present invention are to provide in addition 120 the broad features above referred to, an improved extensible mechanism for pushing and pulling automobiles adapted to be projected for ab least the 1ength of an automobile from an elevator and to be retracted, to provide a truck carried by the elevator and. upon which the improved extensible mechanism is mounted so that it may be projected therefrom 5 and retracted, t0 provicle means Dreventing operation of the elevator when the truck is oft the elevator, and to provide means for preventing operation of the elevator when the extensible mechanism is projected outside the limits of the elevator. As shown in the particular embodiment herein disclosed, the extensible mechanism includes a plurality 0f slides with which a flexible element is associated and adapted 110 be driven in such manner that the extensible mechanism may be projected to the desired extent from either of two opposite sides of the e1evator, the s1ides when in neutral or retracted position being nested together Within the periphery of the elevator. By mounting the extensible mechanism upon a truck which is capable of being driven in opposite directions from the e1evator and ab right ang1es to the direction of projection movement 0f the extensible mechanism, one elevator may bemade 130 serve a 1arge amount of floor space having stalls extending out in all directions from the elevator. This is a matter of particular importance in connection With buildings having a small number of floors and spreading out over considerable ground.

The full objects and. advantages of my invention will appear in connection with the detailed description thereof, and the n0vel features of my inventive idea will be particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the aecompanying drawings which illustrate one of the forms in which my invention may be embodiedFig. 1 is a top p1an view in which a truck is shown in position on an elevator. Fig. 2 is a fragmentary plan view showing the s1ides which appear in Fig. 1 on an enlarged sca1e. Fig 3 is a view in vertical section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1 on an enlarged scale. Fig. 4 is a view in vertical section on the 1ine 4& of Fig. 1 on an enlarged sca1e. Fig. 5 is a view in vertical section on the 1ine 55 of Fig. 1 on an enlarged scale. Fig. 6 is a view in horizonta1 section on the line 66 of Fig. 5. Fig. '7 is a view in section through a slide member showing the manner in which different stretches of a cable cross each other. Fig. 8 is a view in vertical section on the 1ine 8-8 of Fig. 6. Fig. 9 is a detail view showing the manner in which rollers are used 120 support the slide members. Fig. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view ShOW- ing the construction of sheet metal members which carry the slides. Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic view showing the position of the stretches f a cable when the s1ides are all in place on the elevator. Fig. 12 is a view showing the position 0f the stretches of the cable when the slides are projected to one side. Fig. 13 is a. view showing the position of the stretches of the cable when the slides are projected to the other side. Fig. 14 is a sectional view of a switch taken 011 the line 14-14 of Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a view taken in section on line 15-15 of Figs. 1 and 14. Fig. 16 is a wiring diagram showing connections for switches. Fig. 17 is a view in section on 1ine 1'1-17 of Figs. 1 and 18. Fig. 18 is a view in section on line 1818 of Fig. 17. Fig. 19 is a plan view of a lower sheet metal structure for carrying outer s1ide members. Fig. 20 is a plan view 0f an overlying sheet metal structure for carrying intermediate s1ide members. Fig. 21 is a view in section on the line 2121 of Fig. 4. Figs. 22 to 25 are wiring diagram views.

Referring to the construction shown in the drawings, the numeral 24 designates an elevator platform which may be raised and lowered in any Weil known manner so as to register substantially With the floors of a. storage garage or building, one of the floors being indicated. by the numeral 25. The fioors of the building adjacent the elevator are preferably provided with s1idable fire doors 25, one for each of the four sides of the elevator. A truck indicated ab 28 has small wheels 30 a.t the four oorners thereof so that it may be run upon and oft the elevator platform 24. F01 the purpose of guio'ling the t1uck along the alleyways 011 the fioors, traoks or ways 32 may be provided and these tracks or ways may be of the natura disclosed in my prior application Serial Number 91,080 filed February 27, 1926 in which both metal tracks and grooves in the fioor are disclosed. It will be understood that similar tracks for the truck a1e provided on the elevator platform 22, these tracks being indicated at 34. A1; least two

housing members

36 and 38 spaced. from each other a.re seeured to the truck 28, these two members taken together being of such width that they may be straddlecl by the wheels of an automobile as Will be understood from Fig. 1 in which the numeral 40 designates the wheels 01 an automobile. While this figure shows only one pair 01 housing members, 119 will be umlerstood from Figs. 3 and 4 that if the elevator is cf sufficient size, two or more pairs of the housing members may be mounted thereon in order that two or more automobiles may be oarried a1; one time by the e1evator. An extensible mechanism which Will shortly be referred 130 in detai1 is mounted between the pa.ir of housing members 315 and 38, the extensible mechanism being so constructed that it may be projected from 1;he elevator for at least Ehe length of an automobile.

Mounted on the truck in any convenient position such as shovvn in Fig. 1, there is a reversible electric motor 42 whose shaft carries a gear 44 meshing with a gear 46 secured 130 a shaft 48 upon which two of the truck wheels 30 are secured so that by operating the motor 42 in one 011rection er the other, the truck may be moved off from and on 120 the elevator. Mounted. in ehe housing member 38 as shown in Fig. 4, there is a reversible eleotric motor 50 whose shaft carries a gear 52 meshing with a gear 54 secured to one end of a shaft 56 which is provided with a worm 60 which meshes with a Worm gear 62 formed on the periphery of a sheave 01' drum 64 as will be understood in connection with Fig. 3. The sheave 64 is rotatably mounted in horizontal position on a. support 66 secured to the truck midway between the

housing members

30 and 38. As will be understood from Figs. 3 and 4, a number of pairs 01 supports 68 and. 10 extend acros s the truck, being secured thereto in spaced relation in the space between the

housing members

36 and 38, and pairs o1 rollers '12 and. '14 are mounted on these supports. The pairs of rollers '12 and. '14 serve to support a sheet metal structure Which is shown in plan in Fig. 19. 'Ihis structure consists of side strips 76 and 18 spaced from each other and. connected. by end cross pieces '19 and an intermediate cross piece 80 while intermediately positioned. between the side strips 16 and '18 there are pairs of angle bars 81 and 82, the cross pieces being offset upwardly as will be understood from Fig. 10 so as to provide portions 83 which fit together With the ang1e bars 81 and 82. A sheet metal structure shown in plan in Fig. 20 is slidably mounted on and is narrower than the sheet metal struoture just described. This narrower sheet metal structure consists of end cross pieces 88 and an intermediate cross piece 90, these cross pieces being offset upwardly as will be understood from Fig. 10 so as to provide portions 02 which fit slidably over the offset portions 83. As Will be understood fr0m Fig. 9 the floor 25 has secured thereto, supports 94 in which are mounted rollers 96 upon Which the

bars

81 and 82 are adapted to run. A oentra] slide member 98 rests slidably upon the

cross pieces

80 and 90, this slide being in the form of a hollow beam having a longitudinal slot in i1;s lower side to receive the ofiset portions 92. A1. the two sides of the slide member 98, there are a pair of slides 100 and. 102 which are in the form of I-beams and are secured to the cross pieces 88 and 89 as will be understooo'l from Fig. 20. At the outer sides of the

s1ide members

100 and 102, there are a pair of

slide members

104 and 100 which are in the form of I-beams and are secured to longitudinal strips '16 and 78 respectively as will be understood from Fig. 19. It is apparent, therefore, that the

s1ide members

100 and 102 will travel in unison with each other and that the

slide members

104 and 106 will travel in unison with each other. As will appea.r later, the central slide 08 has a portion only of its projection movement independently of the

slide

100 and 102 while the

slides

100 and 102 have a portion only of their projection movement independently of the

slides

104 and 106.

As will be understood from Figs. 5, 7, 11, 12 and 13 the center slide 98 has a pulley 108 mounted at one end thereof and a pulley 108 mounted a1; the other end thereof. 'Ihe two

intermediate s1ides

100 and 102 have two pulleys mounted ab each end thereof, one above the other. For the slide 100, the two pulleys a1. one end thereof are designated 110 and 112 whi1e the two pulleys at 1;he other end thereof will be referred 110 as 110 and 112, it being understood thar. the pulley 112 is below the pulley 1 10 as shown in Figs. 3 and 4 and that ehe pulley 1 12 is below the pulley 110. For the slide 102, the two pulleys a1; one end thereof are designated 1 14 and I 16 while ehe two pulleys ac the other end thereof will be referred 130 as H4 and 110, it being understood that the pulley 110 is below the pulley H4 and that the pulley 116 is below the pulley 114. The t;wo

outer slides

104 and 106 also have two pulleys mounted a1: each end thereof. For the slide 104, the two pulleys ab one end thereof are designated 118 and 120 while the two pul1eys a1: the other end thereof Will be referred as 118 and 120, it being understood that the pulley 120 is below the pulley 118 and that the pulley 120 is below the pulley 118. For the slide 106, the two pul- 1eys a1; one end thereof are designated 122 and I24 while the two pulleysat the other end thereof will be referred to as I22' and I 24', it being understood that the pulley I24 is be10w the pulley I22 anal that the pulley I24' is below the pulley I22. By referring 120 Figs. 6, 11, 12 and 13, it Will be understood that one end 01 a. flexible element such as a cable I26 is secured I:o a projection I28 carried by ehe housing member 36. From the projection I28, this cab1e passes around the various pulleys in the following order: I I8, II8, HD, III), III8', IM, IM, I22, I22' then in engagement With direction and supporting pulleys I 30, I 32, I34, ancl 136 carried by the housing 38, then around the sheave 64 and in engagement with direction pulleys I38, I40 anal I42 and then around ehe pulleys I20, HZ, II2, II)8 II6, II6, I24' and I24- with the other end of the cable passing around a, pulley I 44 and secured 1:0 one end of a Stiff spring M6 whose other end is secured 1:0 a projection I48 carried by the housing member 38. II: Will be ap;carent that the spring MB is one form 0f device which may be provided for taking up s1ack in the cab1e and that the sheave or driving member 64 will be of such character that slipping of the cable thereon is prevented.

In oraler to provide for the crossing of the portions constituting difierent stretches of the cable I2, the slides are furnished with s1ots I5I) such as shown in Fig. 7 in connection with the slide IIJ6. When the slides are in nested condition on Ehe elevator or on the t1uck When the latter is off the elevator, the cable assumes che position shown in Fig. '7. 011 causing the moto-r 5Il to drive the sheave 64 in one direction, the cable will be brought into I:he position shown in Fig. 12 and thereby project the slides of the extensible mechanism toward the left while if the motor is reversed to drive the sheave 64 in the opposite direction the cable will be brought into the position shown in Fig. 13 and thereby project the extensible mechanism toward the right. In the embodiment shown, the extensible mechanism consists of three extensible members, one of which is the central slide 98, another of which is made up of the two intermediate slides I0 and H32, anal the third of which is made up of the I:wo outside slides IM anal I06. Since each of the extensible members is adapted t0 move an automobile a litt1e more than the distan'ce of its length, iI; Will be understood that three stalls arranged in tandem and extending away from the elevator may be filled while by running the truck off the elevator, a large number of stalls may be filled by the use of a single extensible mechanism. Means is provided t0 prevent he slide members of the extensible mechanism from becoming separated from each other When they are extended. Such mea.ns is shown in Fig. 2. When the central slide 98 is projected its full relative distance toward the 1eft a stop I52 carried thereby comes into engagement with a stop I5 carried by the slide I00 and When it is projected its full relative distance toward the right, a. stop I5I5 carried thereby comes into engagement with a stop I5B carried by the s1ide I02. When the intermediate slides IIII1 and I 02 are projected their ful1 relative distance towarcl the left, a, stop I6I] carried by the s1ide IIIII comes into engagement with a stop I6'2 carried by the slide IM, and When the intermediate s1ides IIIII anal III2 are projected their ful1 relative distance toward the right, a stop IIS4 carried by the slide I-G2 comes into engagement with a stop IIS6 carried by the slide IIII5. When the outside slides II'I4 and I06 are projected their full relative d1'stancetoward the left, a stop I68 carried by the 'slide I 04 comes into engagement with a stop I'I carried by the housing 36 and When the outside slides I 04 and I06 are projected their full relative distance toward the right, a stob I'I2 Car- 1ied by I:he slide I06 comes into engagement with a stop IM carried by the housing 38.

II; is preferable that the sections of Ehe telescoping slides shall be caused to always move outwardly in a predetermined order. Mechanism for accomplishing this result is shown in Figs. 17 and 18. When the slides are in nested condition, a spring-pressed holt I'I6 carried by the housing 3I5 engages in a notch in the slide I IM, a spring-p-ressed holt I'I8 carrie-d by the slide II!!! engages in a notch in the s1ide IM While a spring-pressed. holt I8II carried by the central slide 98 engages in a notch in the s1ide IM). When I he projection movement is started, all 0f ehe slides will move outvvardly together due to tha fact that the engaging end c-f the holt IIG is rounded and does net project very far into i.ts notch. The combinec'l movement of I:he slides is suificient to carry an automobile into the first stell which, o-f course, is the one adjacent tr1e elevator. If the projecting movement is continued, the intermediate slides IIIII and II2 Will next mc-ve outwardly it being noted that the engaging cnd of the holt I'I8 is so-mewhat sharp and extend.s somewhat further into its notch than is the case with the holt II5. This movement is sufiicie-nt eo carry an automobile into the second stell Which is further out. The center slide 98 Will be the last to move out due to the fact that the engag" fing end of the holt I8II is sharper. This last movement of the slides When employed Will cause an automobile to move into the thi1'd stall It is obvious that by increasing the number of slizies, the number of stalls Which may be filled in tandem relation will be correspondingly increased.

II; will be understood that some rneans must be provided for causing ehe slides to be connected With the automobile which is t0 be pushed 01T the elevator er truck and also to be connected with an automobile which is to be pulled 021 to the elevator or truck. For this purposeQ a rotatable shaftlike member I82 is mounted in bearings I8 I and I8 carried by Izhe central s1i-de Q8. The shaft I82 is provided with ab least two 0utstanding pins I88 and I9I) so spaced f1om each other as to be capable of straddling t-he axle A of an automobile When they are moved into position extending upwardly as shown in Fig. 5. In oraler to give rotative movement to the shait I82, for engaging anal releasing these pins with relation to the axle, the shaft is provided with a bevel gear I92 which meshes wit-h a bevel III-4 which is integral with er secured to a pinion I96. This pinion meshes With e 1ack I98 carriecl for sliding movement by the core 206 of a selenoid 202 so that the shaft I32 will be given rotetive movement in one direction When the selenoid is energized and will be given rotative move ment in the opposite direction When the solenoid is deenergized. In orde1 to supply current to the 0011 of the solenoid regardless of the position 01 the s1ide 9B, a cord 204 is conneeted to said coil and this cord after passing around direction pul-

1eys

206, 208, 2II) anti 2I2 Winds upon a r-ee1 2I which permits the cord 2M to be drawn out When the slideis extendecl.

As shown in Fig. 4, current is supplied by a feed line 2I6 to a conducting cable 2I8 which 15 wound on a real 220 mounted on the elevator platform 24, the outer end of this cable being connected to a contact device 222 carried by the truck housing 38. From the contac1; device 222 a wire 224 leads 130 a spring finger 226 mounted on the truck. When the truck is in p1ace upon the elevator, the spring finger 226 engages a spring finger 228 carried by the elevator platform. A wire 236 connected With the finger 228 supplies current for operating the elevator as Will be understood from Fig. 16. As son as the truck starts 130 move in either direction 011 the elevator,

the contact between the

fingers

226 and 228 is broken so that the e1evator cannot be started when the truck 1s oft" the elevator. As shown in Figs. 14, 15, and 16, the wire 224 includes two

spring fingers

232 and 234 which are secured 170 the truck housing 38 in spaned relation 150 each other 120 constitute members 01 a switch. A bridge member 236 secured to the slide member 166 completes the circuit between the

fingers

232 and 234 when the extensible mechanism is in neutral or nested position upon the elevato1x As soon as the extensible mechanism starts to move out in either direction, the contact between the

fingers

232 and 234 is broken so that the elevator cannot be started unless the extensible mechanism is in its neutral retracted position.

As shown in Figs. 4 and 21, the outer end cf the shaft 58 which drives the sheave 64, has a screw threaded. portion 238 which carries a, nut 246 which is thereb,y caused to move back and forth as the extensible mechanism is extended and retracted. Adjacent the screwthreaded portion 238, a solenoid 242 is secured to the truck housing 36. The solenoid core 244 is extended a1; both ends 01 the solenoid and at one and is surrounded by a coiled spring 246 which is interposed between a fixed abutment 248 and a collar 256 secured to the core so that when the solenoid is deenergized, the spring 246 tends to move the core oward the right into the position shown in F1g. 23. Adjacent the collar 256, one end of an arm 252 is pivotally attached 130 the core 244, this arm being intermediately pivoted at 254 and its ocher end carrying a contact member 256 which in the position of 23 engages a fixed contact member 258. The other end of the core 244 insulatively carries a contact member 266 which in the position shown in Figs. 21 and 22 bridges two

fingers

262 and 264 spaced from each other 130 form members of a switch. Adjacent the contac1: member 266, one end of an arm 266 1s pivotally attached 120 the eure 244, this arm being intermediately pivoted at 268 and its other and carrying a contact memher 216 which in the position of Figs. 21 and 22 engages a contact member 212 and in the position of Fig. 23 is disengaged therefrom. The two

coutact members

256 and 216 are joined by a wire 213. As shown in Fig. l, an operators seat 214 is placed in suitable position on the truck adjacen1; a switch stand 216 on which is p1aced a switch which as shown in Figs. 22, 23, 24 and 25 inc1udes a pivoted arm 218 adapted to be engaged With either one of two

contacts

286 and 282. Also mounted on the switch stand, there is a double throw switch which includes the

arrns

264 and 286. The arm 284 is pivot-ally attached 1:0 a comtact 288 and is adapted 130 be engaged either with a contact 296 as shown in Fig. 22 er With two

oontacts

292 and 294 ab the same time, as shown in Fig. 23. The arm 286 is pivotally attached 150 a contact 296 and is adapted to be engagd either with the contact 292 as shown in Fig. 2 or With the contact 266 as shown in Fig. 23. The pivoted end of the arm 286 carries three branches 298, 366 and.

362. In the position of Fig. 22, the branch 298 engages a contact 364 and the brauch 362 engages a contac1; 366 while in the position of Fig. 23, the intermediate branch 366 engages the contact 366. The manner in Which the various contacts are wired. up will be understood in connection with the following description of the operation of this portion of the device. In Fig. 22, the extensible mechanism has been projected. for its Iu1l 1engch toward. the right and has been automatically stopped in a manner which Will soon be apparent and the operator has just thrown the

switch members

284 and 236 from the position shown in Fig. 23 into that shown in Fig. 22 in order to starb the retracting movement towardtheleft. Curren1; now flows through the supply wire 363, the solenoid coil, a wire 616,

contacts

262, 266, and 264, a wire 312, the contact 286, the switch member 218 and a wire 314 170 the return wire 316, thereby energizing the solenoid 242 and holding the core 244 toward the left in opposition to the tension of the spring 246. A1; the same time, current flows from the supply Wire 368 through a wire 318, the wire 213,

contacts

216 and 212, a wire 326, contact 364, and. brauch 298 to the contac1: 296. Here the current divides, a portion of it passing through the switch member 286, conoact 292, the field Winding 322, of the motor, and wire 324 to the return wire 316. The other portion of the current passes from the contact 296 through the branch 362, contact 366, a wire 326, the armature winding 326 of the motor 56, a Wire 336, contact 286, switch member 284, contact 296 and a wire 332 t0 the return wire 316. The passage 01 current through the 0011 328 causes the motor 56 120 turn in the proper direction t0- retract the extensible mechanism and a1; the same time feed the nut 246 toward the left. It is obvious that the operator may at any time before the nut 246 reaches the arm 252, throw the

switch members

284 and 266 and thereby scop the motor. In F1g. 23, the extensible mechanism has been projectzed fr its fu11 length toward the 1eft and has been automatically stopped on account of the nut 246 having engaged the arm 252 and move the solenoid core toward the right, thereby breaking the connection between the

contacts

216 and 212. At the same time, the bridge 266 has been automatically moved from engagement With the

contacts

262 and 264. In the position shown in Fig. 23, the operator has just thrown the

switch members

284 and 286 from the position shown in F1'g. 22 in Order start the retracting movement toward the righ. Current now fiows through the supply wire 368, the wire 318, the wire 213,

contacts

256 and 258, a wire 334, the contact 294 and the switch member 284, it being noted Chat this switch member is 1ong enough to engage the two contaccs 292 and 294. A1; the contact 292, the current divicles, a portion 0f it passing through the fielc1 wlnding 322 and the Wire 324 1:0 the return wire 316. The other portion of the curren passes from the contact 262 through the switch member 284, contact: 288, the armatur e 328 in the reverse directlon from that shown in Fig. 22, the wire 326, contact 366, the branch 366, contact 268, the switch member 286, the contact 296, and the wire 332 130 the return wire 316. I1; Will be noted that the rn0t0r 56 is rotated in reverse direction from tha1; in Fig. 22. It is obvious that the operator may a1; any tirne before the nut 246 reaches the arm 266 throw the

switch members

284 and 286 and thereby stop the motor. The extensible members may thus be stopped in nested condition on the elevator o1 they may be stopped in such position that an auto- I direction, he throws the switch member 218 from the position of Fig. 22 into thas of Fig. 24 so that With the brldge 260 in the position of Fig. 23, current will fiow through the solenoid. 242, a wire 336. the contact 282, the switch member 2'd3, and.

. 15 the wire 3 I 4, to the return wire 3 I6. The energization 0f the solenoid 242 Will pu1l t-he eure 2M from the position of Fig. 23 into that of Fig. 22 against thetension of the spring 246 so that the brid.ge member 260 is caused to bridge the

contacts

262 and 264. If he wishes to reverse in the other direction, then the switch member 278 is thrown into the position shewn in Fig. 25.

'Ihe operation and advantages of my invention have in large measure already been sei; forth. In the useof the device, an automobile on the ground floor is brought close to the elevator shafi; and. the elevator platform is lowered so as to bring the truck thereon into register With the ground. floor unless the elevator is alread.y in lowered position. 30 The extensible mechanism is oben moved out so the proper extent and by energizing the selenoid 22 the pins I88 and 190 Will be caused to straddle the axle A of the automobile so that the automobile can be pulled upon the truck by retracting 35 the extensible mechanism in the manner previously sei; forth. When the automobile has been taken up so the desired. floor, the extensible meehanism may be operated in either of two opposite directionS t0 push the automobile i'nto any one of the first, second. or third stalls' extending out from the.elevator. When stalls along the alleyways are to be filled, the truck may be moved 01T the elevator in either of two directions t0 any desired p1ace on the alleyways, the movemeni; of the 5 truck being at right ang1es to the line in which the extensible mechanism operates, and then by operating the extensible mechanisrn, the various sta1ls may be filled, 112 being understood that the mechanism regardless of whether it operates directiy 50 oui; from the elevator or from the truck when off the eleirator may be extended. for i;he distance of at least three stalls.

I claim:

1. In an automobile storage device for buildings 55 having a plurality 0f fioors, the combination of an elevator, extensible mechanism consisting of a plurality of slides carried by said elevator for pushing and pu1ling automobiles, and mechanism for projeeting said extensible mechanism for a1;

- 0 least the length of an automobile from said elevator and for retracting said. mechanism.

2. In an automobile storage device for buildings having a plurality of floors, the combination 01" an elevator, extensible mechanism consisting 013 a 5 plurality of slides carried. by said elevator for pushing and pulling automobiles, and. mechanism for projecting said extensible mechanism for at least the length of an automobile from said elevator in two opposite directions with relation thereto 70 and for retracting said mechanism.

3. In an automobile storage device for buildings having a plurality o1: floors, the combination of an e1evator, extensible -mechanism consisting of a plurality of slides carried by said. elevator .for

75 pushing and pulling automobiles, mechanism for projecting said extensible mechanism' for at least the length of an automobile frbm said. elevator and for retracting said mechanism, a rotatable member carried by said extensible mechanism projections on said member, and mechanism for giving said member rotative movement for engagi1ig and disengaging said proj ections With relation 1:0 the axle of an automobile.

4. In an automobile storage device for buildings having'a plurality of floors, the combinationof an elevator, slidable mechanism carried by said elevatox for pushing and pu11ing automobiles, said siidabie mechanism eonsisting of aplurality of intereonnecteci relatively mvable parts adapted for right line movement and nested together on the e1evator in their retracted. position, a flexible element connected With said slidable meehanism for projecting and rei;racting the latter, and driving mechanism for said flexible elemeni; adapted 130 be operated in opposite directions.

5. In an automobile storage device for bui1dings having a plurality of floors the combination 013 an elevatoiextensible mechanism consisting of a plurality of teleseoping s1ides carried by said elevator for pushing and pulling autdniobiles, and mechanism for projecting and retracting said slides one after the other.

6. In an automobile storage device for buildings having a. plurality of fioors, the eombination of an elevator, extensible mechanism consisting of a plutality of telescoping slides carried. by said elevator for pushing and pulling automobiles, and. mechanism for projecting and. retracting said slides one after the other in predetermined order.

7. In an automobile storage device for bui1dings havin'g a pluralityof floors, the combination of an elevator, extensible mechanism consisting of a plurality of telescoping slides carried by said elevator for pushing and pulling autom-obiles, pulleys carriiad by said slides, a flexible element stretched. around said pulleys for projecting and retracting said slides, and driving meehanism for said flexible element adapted. to be operated. in opposite directionS.

8. In an automobile storage device for buildings having a plurality of fioors, the eombination of an elevator, extensible mechainism consisting of a plurality of telescoping slides carried by said elevator for pushing and pullihg automobiles, a flexible element stretehed around said pulleys for projecting and retracting said slides with relation to two sides of the elevator, and driving mechanism for said flexible element adapted to be operated. in opposite directions.

9. In an automobile storage device for buildings having a plurality of floors, the combination of an elevator, extensible mechanism carried by said elevator consisting 0f a central slide and slides arranged. at the opposite sides thereof in pairs for pushing and pulling automobiles, and. mechanism for projecting and retracting said central slide and said pairs one after the other.

10. In an automobile storage device for buildings having a plurality of floors, the combination of an elevator, a truck adapted 1:0 be carried by said elevator, a reversible motor carried by said truck for driving the latter off and on to said elevator, extensible mechanisni consisting of a plurality of slides mounted on said truck for pushing and. pulling automobiles, and a reversible motor carried by said truck for projecting and retracting said. slides.

11. In an automobile storage device for buildings having a plurality of fioors, the combination of an elevator, extensible mechanism Carried by said elevator for pushing and pulling automobiles, a movable member carried by said extensible mechanism adapted to be engaged with and disengaged from an automobile, a solenoid for operating said movable member, and means for energizing and de-energizing said solenoid.

12. In an automobile storage device for bui1dings having a plurality of floors, the combination of an elevator, extensible mechanism carried by said elevator for pushing and. pulling automobiles, a, rotatable member carried by said. extensible mechanism and adapted by its rotative movement be engaged With and disengaged from an automobile, a solenoid, connections between the core of said solenoid and the said rotatable member for rotating the latter, and means for energizing and deenergizing said solenoid.

13. In an automobile storage device for buildings having a plurality of floors, the combination of an elevator, extensible mechanism carried by said elevator for pushing and pulling automobiles, said extensible mechanism consisting of a plurality of interconnected relatively movable parts adapted for right 1ine movement and nested together on the elevator in their retracted position, mechanism for projecting said extensible mechanism, and means for automatically stopping said. extensible mechanism when projected its fu1l extent.

14. In an automobile storage device for buildings having a plurality of floors, the combination of an elevator, extensible mechanism carried by said elevator for pushing and pulling automobiles, said extensible mechanism consisting of a plurality of interconnected relatively movable parts adapted for right 1ine movement; and nested together on the elevator in their retracted position, mechanism for projecting said extensible mechanism, means for stopping said extensible mechanism at any point in its projection movement, and means for thereupon causing said extensible mechanism to be retracted.

15. In an automobile storage device for build ings having a plurality of floors, the combination of an elevator, extensible mechanism carried by said elevator for pushing and pulling aubomobiles, said extensible mechanism consisting of a plurality of interconnected relatively movable parts adapted for right line movement and nested together 0n the elevator in their retracted position, mechanism fr projecting said extensible mechanism in two opposite directions from said elevator, means for stopping said extensible mechanism at any point in its projection movemnt and means for thereupon causing said extensible mechanism to be retracted.

16. In an automobile storage device for buildings having a plurality of fioors, the combination of an elevator, a truck adapted to be carried by said elevator, mechanism for moving said truck ofi and on to the elevator, extensible mechanism mounted on said truck for pushing and pul1ing automobiles, said extensible mechanism consisting of a plurality of interconnected relatively movable parts adapted. for right line movement and nested together on the elevator in their retracted position, mechanism for projecting said extensible mechanism from said truck, means for stopping said extensible mechanism ab any point in its projection movement, and means for thereupon causing said extensible mechanism to be retracted.

17. In an automobile storage device for buildings having a plurality of floors, the combination of an elevator, a truck adapted be carried by said elevator, mechanism for moving said truck 01T and on to said elevator with relation to two opposite sides thereof, extensible mechanism mounted on saicl truck for pushing and pulling automobiles, said extensible mechanism consisting of a plurality of interconnected relatively movable parts adapted for right 1ine movement and nested together on Ehe elevator in their retracted position, mechanism for projecting said extensible mechanism from said truck for every position thereof, means for stopping said extensible mechanism at any point in its projection movement and means for thereupon causing said extensible mechanism to be retracted.

EDWIN M. WHEELOCK.