Vehicle parking structure
First Claim
1. An automated parking garage structure comprising:
- a supporting framework bearing a plurality of vehicle parking stalls arranged on a plurality of levels, each of said stalls having means for the support of a vehicle therein;
an elevator tower having an elevator platform adapted for travel between said stalls on said plurality of levels;
a transfer lift for transferring a vehicle between ground level and a level for transfer to or from said elevator platform, said transfer lift having a composite vehicle support surface;
means for moving said elevator tower and elevator platform and means for raising and lowering said elevator platform within said tower;
said elevator platform having an extension carriage for transferring a vehicle between said platform and said stalls and transfer lift; and
,means for coordinating the operation of said transfer lift, said moving means, said raising and lowering means, and said extension carriage for transporting a vehicle placed on said transfer lift to a vacant parking stall in said structure and for retrieving a vehicle from a parking stall to said vehicle lift, said transfer lift comprises a fixed frame and a lift platform, said lift platform having a frame having a pair of opposed lateral edges bearing a spaced plurality of stub beams located and arranged to support the tires of a vehicle thereon, and a lift platform plate having lateral fingers interdigitating with said stub beams.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An improved automated parking garage structure comprising a supporting framework bearing a plurality of vehicle parking stalls arranged in a radial manner on a plurality of levels about a central core. Each of the stalls support a vehicle on a series of fingers. An elevator tower is located within said central core and has an elevator platform adapted for vertical travel, the tower rotating about a vertical axis. A transfer lift for transferring a vehicle between ground level and a level for transfer to or from said elevator platform; is located at ground level and accepts vehicles for parking and return. The elevator platform includes an extension carriage for transferring a vehicle between the platform and the stalls and transfer lift. Operation of the transfer lift, elevator and tower are coordinated by an automated control system, which may include a first unit located at the tower and a second unit, serving as a customer interface, at a remote location. The two units are preferably coupled together by a wireless communication link.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An automated parking garage structure comprising:
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a supporting framework bearing a plurality of vehicle parking stalls arranged on a plurality of levels, each of said stalls having means for the support of a vehicle therein; an elevator tower having an elevator platform adapted for travel between said stalls on said plurality of levels; a transfer lift for transferring a vehicle between ground level and a level for transfer to or from said elevator platform, said transfer lift having a composite vehicle support surface; means for moving said elevator tower and elevator platform and means for raising and lowering said elevator platform within said tower;
said elevator platform having an extension carriage for transferring a vehicle between said platform and said stalls and transfer lift; and
,means for coordinating the operation of said transfer lift, said moving means, said raising and lowering means, and said extension carriage for transporting a vehicle placed on said transfer lift to a vacant parking stall in said structure and for retrieving a vehicle from a parking stall to said vehicle lift, said transfer lift comprises a fixed frame and a lift platform, said lift platform having a frame having a pair of opposed lateral edges bearing a spaced plurality of stub beams located and arranged to support the tires of a vehicle thereon, and a lift platform plate having lateral fingers interdigitating with said stub beams. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for the automated parking of a vehicle in a parking structure and subsequent retrieval of said vehicle, comprising the steps of:
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orienting said vehicle on a transfer lift; raising said transfer lift to a position for vehicle transfer to a main elevator; transferring said vehicle to said main elevator; moving said elevator to a position adjacent a chosen vacant parking stall in the parking structure; transferring said vehicle to said stall; awaiting a command to retrieve the vehicle and thereupon moving said main elevator adjacent the chosen stall; transferring said vehicle to the elevator; moving said main elevator to a point for transfer of said vehicle to said transfer lift; transferring said vehicle to the transfer lift, said transfer lift being in a raised position; and lowering said transfer lift to permit the vehicle to be driven away. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification