WO1997031169A1

WO1997031169A1 - Parking apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1997031169A1
Application number: PCT/IL1997/000063
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shlomo Zeitman; Yerachmiel Zeitman
Original assignee: Shlomo Zeitman; Yerachmiel Zeitman
Priority date: 1996-02-23
Filing date: 1997-02-18
Publication date: 1997-08-28
Also published as: AU1731797A; IL117238A0

Abstract

A multi-tier parking system (10) including a foundation (12) attachable to a surface (14), a parking platform (16), at least one lifting arm (22) pivotally attached to the parking platform (16) and to the foundation (12), and an actuator (28) for actuating movement of the lifting arm (22), wherein in a first configuration the parking platform (16) lies on the surface (14) for parking thereon by a first vehicle (30), the parking platform (16) being positioned by the lifting arm (22) in the first configuration at a distance from the foundation (12) so as to provide sufficient space for a second vehicle (32) to be parked alongside the parking platform (16), at a level below, flush with or above, and wherein the actuator (28) reversibly raises the parking platform (16) from the first configuration to a second configuration wherein the platform (16) is positioned above the space for the second vehicle (32), the parking platform (16) not contacting the second vehicle (32) during movement thereof between the first and second configurations.

Description

PARKING APPARATUS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to parking management systems, in general, and particularly to apparatus for multi-tier parking.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The ever-increasing use of automobiles and limited space for parking, particularly in urban areas, has led to overburdened parking facilities. Systems are known for multi-tier parking, i.e., facilities for providing and expanding available parking space vertically. Such systems include multi-storied parking lots which have gained widespread use. Of course, such parking lots require a substantial

careful layout to provide easy access to all vehicles at all times.

Other systems include rotary platforms as described in U.S. Patents 3,378, 151 and 3,382,990. Israel Patent 91897 describes a type of four-bar linkage lifting mechanism for elevating vehicles to a second parking level.

United States Patent 4,029,218 describes a two-storied parking apparatus for automobiles, and particularly for heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses. The apparatus includes a pair of arcuate guide rails which serve as a pair of tracks in which glide a pair of movable support members. A pallet is pivotally attached to the support members and is adapted for suppoπing a vehicle parked thereon. After parking a vehicle on the pallet, the pallet is raised by suitable drive means to a higher level, leaving room underneath for parking a second vehicle. The guide rails are essential to this apparatus for providing necessary strength and support. The apparatus is limited to two-storied parking.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention seeks to provide an improved multi-tier parking system.

In the present invention, no guide rails are used or needed. By employing an articulated lifting arm, with or without telescoping features, the system may provide multiple-tier parking, and is not limited to two stories.

There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a multi-tier parking system including a foundation fixedly attachable to a surface, a parking platform, at least one lifting arm pivotally attached at one end thereof to the parking platform and pivotally attached at an opposite end thereof to the foundation, and an actuator for actuating movement of the at least one lifting arm, wherein in a first configuration 2 the parking platform lies on the surface and is adapted for parking thereon by a first vehicle, the parking platform being positioned by the at least one lifting arm in the first configuration at a distance from the end pivotally attached to the foundation so as to provide sufficient space for a second vehicle to be parked alongside the parking platform (at a level below, flush with or above the end pivotally attached to the foundation), and wherein the actuator reversibly raises the parking platform via the at least one lifting arm from the first configuration to a second configuration wherein the platform is positioned above the space for the second vehicle, the parking platform not contacting the second vehicle during movement thereof between the first configuration and the second configuration. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one lifting arm comprises at least one articulating joint intermediate the ends pivotally attached to the parking platform and to the foundation, the at least one lifting arm pivoting about the at least one articulating joint so as to raise the parking platform to a third configuration above the positions of the first and second configurations. The at least one lifting arm may be telescoping.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the parking platform remains generally horizontal during movement thereof between the first configuration and the second configuration.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a stopper is provided for arresting movement of the parking platform from one configuration to another. Preferably the stopper provides at least one of shock absorbing, vibration damping and stabilizing functions.

The actuator may be hydraulic, electric or pneumatic.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a control system is provided for controlling movement of the parking platform and preventing inadvertent contact with objects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: Figs. IA and IB are simplified pictorial illustrations of a multi-tier parking system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in first and second configurations, respectively; Fig. 2 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a multi-tier parking system constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, in first and second configurations;

Figs. 3A and 3B are simplified pictorial illustrations of a multi-tier parking system constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, in first and second configurations, respectively;

Fig. 4 is a simplified illustration of a multi-tier parking system constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, in first and second configurations; and Figs. 5 A, 5B, 5C and 5D are simplified top view illustrations of parking systems constructed and operative in accordance with four preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Reference is now made to Figs. IA and IB which illustrate a multi-tier parking system 10 constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Multi-tier parking system 10 preferably includes a foundation 12 which may be fixedly attached to a surface 14, such as a ground or alternatively any other fixed surface, such as a vertical surface of a building. Foundation 12 may be any sturdy post, pillar or other construction which may be firmly anchored to the surface 14 by any conventional means, such as by a buried concrete base (not shown). System 10 also includes at least one parking platform 16 which preferably includes a cage-like structure 18 attached to a base plate 20.

Parking platform 16 is configured to receive thereon a vehicle, such as a passenger car, and may readily be constructed to receive thereon heavy vehicles such as a tractor trailer. At least one lifting arm 22 is preferably pivotally attached at one end 24 thereof to parking platform 16 and pivotally attached at an opposite end 26 thereof to foundation 12.

An actuator 28 is preferably operatively attached to lifting arm 22. Actuator 28 may be any conventional driving or lifting mechanism and may be hydraulic, electric or pneumatic.

Fig. IA illustrates parking platform 16 in a first configuration, wherein it lies on the surface 14. In the first configuration, a first vehicle 30 may be readily parked on parking platform 16. Lifting arm 22 positions parking platform 16 at a distance from foundation 12 so as to provide sufficient space for a second vehicle 32 to be parked intermediate parking platform 16 and foundation 12, and at a level below end 26. In Fig. IB, actuator 28 raises parking platform 16, via lifting arm 22, from the first configuration to a second configuration wherein parking platform 16 is positioned above the space for the second vehicle 32. It may be appreciated from Fig. IB that parking platform 16 and first vehicle 30 do not contact second vehicle 32 during movement thereof between the first configuration and the second configuration. Preferably parking platform 16 remains generally horizontal during movement thereof between the first configuration and the second configuration. It is appreciated that actuator 28 may return parking platform 16 from the second configuration to the first configuration. It is appreciated that alternatively actuator 28 may lift parking platform 16 from the first configuration to the second configuration, and vice versa, in any other arbitrary motion path other than horizontal so as to avoid obstacles along the way.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a control system 34 is provided for controlling movement of parking platform 16 and preventing inadvertent contact with objects. Control system 34 preferably includes a plurality of sensors 36 mounted on various sensitive locations, such as an underside of base plate 20 and on cage¬ like structure 18. Sensors 36 are preferably in electrical communication with control electronics 38. Control electronics 38 may also include servo-control components that communicate with actuator 28 so that control system 34 provides a closed loop control of the movement of parking platform 16. As seen in Figs. IA and IB, system 10 may include other sets of parking platforms 16 and lifting arms 22, preferably associated with the same foundation 12. System 10 may be used to loft vehicles form sidewalks of city streets or to lift vehicles to upper stories of multi-tiered parking lots.

Reference is now made to Fig. 2 which illustrate a multi-tier parking system 40 constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Multi-tier parking system 40 preferably includes a foundation 42 which may be fixedly attached to a surface 44. System 40 also includes at least one parking platform 46 which preferably includes a cage-like structure 48 attached to a base plate 50. Parking platform 46 is configured to receive thereon a vehicle, such as a passenger car. and may readily be constructed to receive thereon heavy vehicles such as a tractor trailer.

A pair of lifting arms 52 are preferably pivotally attached at one end 54 thereof to parking platform 46 and pivotally attached at an opposite end 56 thereof to foundation 42. 5 In other words, in the sense of Fig. 2, one lifting arm 52 is attached to one end 54 in the plane of the drawing sheet, and another lifting arm 52, generally parallel to the first-mentioned lifting arm 52, is attached to another end 54 located on the top of cage-like structure 48 generally parallel and opposite to the first-mentioned end 54, deeper and parallel to the plane of the drawing sheet. Thus, the two lifting arms 52 are located at opposite ends along the length of the roof of cage-like structure 48 and straddle the sides of structure 48, thereby permitting structure 48 to move between arms 52.

An actuator 58 is preferably operatively attached to lifting arms 52. Actuator 58 may be any conventional driving or lifting mechanism and may be hydraulic, electric or pneumatic.

Fig. 2 illustrates parking platform 46 in a first configuration (shown in dashed lines), wherein it lies on the surface 44. In the first configuration, a first vehicle 60 may be readily parked on parking platform 46. Lifting arms 52 position parking platform 46 at a distance from pivot end 56 so as to provide sufficient space for a second vehicle 62 to be parked alongside parking platform 46 and at a level below end 56.

As seen in Fig. 2, actuator 58 raises parking platform 46, via lifting arms 52, from the first configuration to a second configuration (shown in solid lines) wherein parking platform 46 is positioned above the space for the second vehicle 62. It may be appreciated from Fig. 2 that parking platform 46 and first vehicle 60 do not contact second vehicle 62 during movement thereof between the first configuration and the second configuration. Preferably parking platform 46 remains generally horizontal during movement thereof between the first configuration and the second configuration. System 40 may also include a control system (not shown) for closed loop control of the movement of parking platform 46.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, lifting arms 52 may be provided with a telescoping portion 63. Parking platform 46 may be detachable from lifting arms 52, a feature which may be particularly useful for lifting vehicles from street curbs or for storing vehicles on elevated platforms, for example.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a stopper 64 is provided for arresting movement of parking platform 46 from one configuration to another. Stopper 64 may be mounted on foundation 42, or alternatively, may be mounted on parking platform 46. Preferably stopper 64 stabilizes parking platform 46 after reaching the second configuration. Stopper 64 may be constructed of elastomeric or other cushioning materials so as to provide shock absorbing and/or vibration damping. Reference is now made to Figs. 3A and 3B which illustrate a multi-tier parking system 70 constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. System 70 is illustrated as an addition to system 40, however, it may alternatively be a stand-alone system. Multi-tier parking system 70 preferably includes at least one parking platform

76 which preferably includes a cage-like structure 78 attached to a base plate 80. Parking platform 76 is configured to receive thereon a vehicle, such as a passenger car, and may readily be constructed to receive thereon heavy vehicles such as a tractor trailer.

A pair of lifting arms 82 are preferably pivotally attached at one end 84 thereof to parking platform 76 and pivotally attached at an opposite end 86 thereof to foundation 72. Pivot end may coincide or nearly coincide with pivot 56 of system 40, if desired. An actuator 88 is preferably operatively attached to lifting arms 82. Actuator 88 may be any conventional driving or lifting mechanism and may be hydraulic, electric or pneumatic.

It is to be emphasized that although multi-tier parking system 70 is illustrated and described as having a pair of lifting arms 82, alternatively system 70 may employ a single lifting arm 82. Furthermore, more than one actuator 88 may be employed, if desired.

Each lifting arm 82 includes at least one articulating joint 90 intermediate the ends 84 and 86, respectively pivotally attached to parking platform 76 and to foundation 72. Thus, each lifting arm 82 comprises two lifting portions 92 and 94. As described hereinabove for lifting arms 52 of system 40 with respect to Fig. 2, lifting arms 82 straddle cage-like structure 78. Actuator 88 is preferably operatively connected to lifting portion 92. System 70 may also include a control system (not shown) for closed loop control of the movement of parking platform 76.

Fig. 3 A illustrates parking platform 76 in a first configuration, wherein it lies on the surface 44. In the first configuration, a vehicle 96 may be readily parked on parking platform 76. Lifting arms 82 position parking platform 76 at a distance from pivot end 86 so as to provide sufficient space for vehicle 62 to be parked alongside parking platform 76 and at a level below end 86. There is room above pivoted end 86 for locating another parking platform, such as parking platform 46 of system 40. In Fig. 3B, actuator 88 raises parking platform 76, via lifting arms 82, from the first configuration to a second configuration wherein parking platform 76 is positioned above the space for parking platform 46. In the second configuration, lifting portions 92 and 94 are substantially mutually aligned. It may be appreciated from Fig. 3B that parking platform 76 and vehicle 90 do not contact vehicle 60 and parking platform 46 during movement thereof between the first configuration and the second configuration. Preferably parking platform 76 remains generally horizontal during movement thereof between the first configuration and the second configuration. It is appreciated that lifting arms 82 may be designed to lift parking platform 76 to higher levels, depending on the length and configuration of lifting arms 82 and actuator 88.

Reference is now made to Fig. 4 which illustrates a multi-tier parking system 210, constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Multi-tier parking system 210 preferably includes a foundation 212 which may be fixedly attached to a surface 214, such as a ground surface. Foundation 212 is preferably buried below surface 214, as shown in Fig. 4, such as a buried concrete base. Alternatively, foundation 212 may be flush with or above surface 214. System 210 also includes at least one parking platform 216 which may include a cage-like structure 218 attached to a base plate 220. Cage-like structure 218, as well as one or more cables 221, may be provided to protect and contain a vehicle parked on base plate 220. Parking platform 216 is configured to receive thereon a vehicle, such as a passenger car, and may readily be constructed to receive thereon heavy vehicles such as a tractor trailer.

At least one lifting arm 222 is preferably pivotally attached at one end 224 thereof to parking platform 216 and pivotally attached at an opposite end 226 thereof to foundation 212. An actuator 228 is preferably operatively attached to lifting arm 222. Actuator 228 may be any conventional driving or lifting mechanism for extending/contracting and/or lifting lowering lifting arm 222, and may be hydraulic, electric or pneumatic. As illustrated in Fig. 4, actuator 228 may also include an electric, worm-gear drive motor. Optionally, an auxiliary lifting arm 223 may be provided that is hingedly attached at one end 225 thereof to base plate 220 of parking platform 216. Suitable linking devices (not shown) which are well known in the art, may be used to operatively link actuator 228 to auxiliary arm 223. Alternatively, auxiliary arm 223 may be provided with its own actuator (not shown). Auxiliary lifting arm 223 may be useful in manipulating parking platform 216 over obstacles, as will be described hereinbelow.

Fig. 4 illustrates parking platform 216 in a first configuration (shown in dashed lines), wherein it lies on the surface 214 or somewhat therebelow. In the first configuration, a first vehicle 230 may be readily parked on parking platform 216. Lifting arm 222 positions parking platform 216 at a distance from foundation 212 so as to provide sufficient space for a second vehicle 232 to be parked alongside parking platform 216 at a level above end 226 or flush therewith.

Actuator 228 raises parking platform 216, via lifting arms 222 and 223, from the first configuration to a second configuration (shown in solid lines) wherein parking platform 216 is positioned above the space for the second vehicle 232. It may be appreciated from Fig. 4 that parking platform 21 and first vehicle 230 do not contact second vehicle 232 during movement thereof between the first configuration and the second configuration. Lifting arms 222 and 223 may be used to tilt parking platform 216 so as to avoid obstacles, such as vehicle 232, along the way.

Reference is now made to Figs. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D which are top view illustrations of parking systems 110, 112, 114 and 116, respectively, constructed and operative in accordance with four preferred embodiment of the present invention. Parking systems 110, 112, 114 and 116 may be constructed in accordance with any of the embodiments of the present invention. Figs. 5A - 5D illustrate that the parking systems of the present invention may be used to lift vehicles above other vehicles in a variety of configurations.

Fig. 5 A illustrates lifting a vehicle 118 sideways above two other vehicles 120 and 122 parked lengthwise one after the other. Fig. 5B illustrates lifting a vehicle 124 lengthwise above two other vehicles 126 and 128 parked side by side. Fig. 5C illustrates lifting a vehicle 130 sideways above two other vehicles 132 and 134 parked side by side. Fig. 5D illustrates lifting a vehicle 136 lengthwise above one of two other vehicles 138 and 140 parked side by side. It is appreciated that other parking configurations are possible in the scope of the present invention.

It is appreciated that various features of the invention which are, for clarity, described in the contexts of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims which follow:

Claims

9 C L A I M S

We claim

1 A multi-tier parking system comprising a foundation, a parking platform, at least one lifting arm pivotally attached at one end thereof to said parking platform and pivotally attached at an opposite end thereof to said foundation; and an actuator for actuating movement of said at least one lifting arm, wherein in a first configuration said parking platform is positioned for parking thereon by a first vehicle, said parking platform being positioned by said at least one lifting arm in said first configuration at a distance from said end pivotally attached to said foundation so as to provide sufficient space for a second vehicle to be parked alongside said parking platform, and wherein said actuator reversibly raises said parking platform via said at least one lifting arm from said first configuration to a second configuration wherein said platform is positioned above said space for said second vehicle, said parking platform not contacting said second vehicle during movement thereof between said first configuration and said second configuration

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein said parking platform is positioned by said at least one lifting arm in said first configuration at a distance from said end pivotally attached to said foundation so as to provide sufficient space for a second vehicle to be parked alongside said parking platform at a level below said end pivotally attached to said foundation

3. A system according to claim 1 wherein said parking platform is positioned by said at least one lifting arm in said first configuration at a distance from said end pivotally attached to said foundation so as to provide sufficient space for a second vehicle to be parked alongside said parking platform at a level above said end pivotally attached to said foundation

4. A system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one lifting arm comprises at least one articulating joint intermediate said ends pivotally attached to said parking platform and to said foundation, said at least one lifting arm pivoting about said at least one articulating joint so as to raise said parking platform to a third configuration above said positions of said first and second configurations.

5. A system according to any of claims 1 - 4 wherein said parking platform remains generally horizontal during movement thereof between said first configuration and said second configuration.

6. A system according to any of claims 1 - 4 and comprising a stopper for arresting movement of said parking platform from one configuration to another.

7. A system according to claim 6 wherein said stopper provides at least one of shock absorbing, vibration damping and stabilizing functions.

8. A system according to any of claims 1 - 4 wherein said actuator is selected from said group consisting of a hydraulic actuator, an electric actuator or a pneumatic actuator.

9. A system according to any of claims 1 - 4 and comprising a control system for controlling movement of said parking platform and preventing inadvertent contact with objects.

10. A system according to any of claims 1 - 4 wherein said at least one lifting arm is telescopic.

11. A system according to any of claims 1 - 4 wherein said parking platform is detachable from said at least one lifting arm.