Multi level vehicle service system
First Claim
1. A multi-level vehicle servicing apparatus for installation on a floor of a building to achieve high space utilization without need for a work pit in the building floor, comprising:
- a frame assembled from frame members and including floor-bearing members for bearing against a building floor to support the frame, a vehicle support and drive-on platform connected to and supported on the frame to define a first work level on which a vehicle is supported, sufficiently high above the building floor to enable a worker to work in a standing position on the underside of the vehicle and including an opening in the platform narrower than a vehicle'"'"'s wheel spacing and defining a vehicle location on the platform, and the first work level including an area permitting a worker to stand in front of a vehicle positioned at said vehicle location to work on components under the hood of the vehicle, second platform means connected to and supported on the frame and defining a second work level lower than the first work level for permitting a standing worker to comfortably work on wheels, tires and brakes of a vehicle, from a side of the vehicle, vehicle lift means for enabling elevation of a vehicle slightly above the first work level, for such work on wheels, tires and brakes, third platform means connected to the frame and defining a third work level lower than the second work level, for supporting a worker directly beneath a vehicle for work on the underside of the vehicle, and access means providing access for workers to all levels.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A multi-level vehicle servicing system includes site-erectable units each with four levels, to facilitate vehicle repairs by several technicians at the same time. Each unit includes vertical structural members, horizontal supports, flooring, tool storage, parts storage, panels, stairs, ladders, ramps, lifting mechanisms to raise the vehicle off its wheels, and mechanisms to facilitate removal of heavy repair components to other levels below. Lighting, power, compressed air, fluid delivery and extraction, and fire suppression systems are integrated in the system of components. The system is erected on a conventional building floor and is free-standing, independent of the building structure itself. The modular apparatus is installed without major modifications to an existing building of appropriate size and structural compatibility. Several of the four-level units can be stacked and any number may be combined in any horizontal configuration.
33 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A multi-level vehicle servicing apparatus for installation on a floor of a building to achieve high space utilization without need for a work pit in the building floor, comprising:
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a frame assembled from frame members and including floor-bearing members for bearing against a building floor to support the frame, a vehicle support and drive-on platform connected to and supported on the frame to define a first work level on which a vehicle is supported, sufficiently high above the building floor to enable a worker to work in a standing position on the underside of the vehicle and including an opening in the platform narrower than a vehicle'"'"'s wheel spacing and defining a vehicle location on the platform, and the first work level including an area permitting a worker to stand in front of a vehicle positioned at said vehicle location to work on components under the hood of the vehicle, second platform means connected to and supported on the frame and defining a second work level lower than the first work level for permitting a standing worker to comfortably work on wheels, tires and brakes of a vehicle, from a side of the vehicle, vehicle lift means for enabling elevation of a vehicle slightly above the first work level, for such work on wheels, tires and brakes, third platform means connected to the frame and defining a third work level lower than the second work level, for supporting a worker directly beneath a vehicle for work on the underside of the vehicle, and access means providing access for workers to all levels. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for producing a multi-level vehicle servicing facility which achieves high space utilization in a building without need for work pits in the building floor, comprising:
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(a) providing structural members capable of being assembled with removable connections into a frame capable of bearing against a floor mat supporting the weight of a vehicle, (b) providing a plurality of platforms with means for removable connection to the frame, the platforms being arranged to support a vehicle at a highest, or first level, and to support an automotive worker at a position to work on the engine of the vehicle, and including platforms connectable to the frame to form a second level lower than the first, for workers to service wheels, tires and brakes, and including a platform connectable to the frame directly beneath the vehicle, at a third level lower than the second level and appropriate for a worker to stand and service a vehicle from beneath, (c) providing cabinet units capable of storing parts and tools and at least some of the cabinet units capable of connection to the structural members of the frame, (d) providing modular sets of stairs capable of connection to the structural members of the frame to extend between the platforms of different levels, (e) transporting the structural members and platforms and cabinet units in dismantled condition to a building having a building floor without work pits, (f) erecting the structural members on the building floor by connecting the members with connections capable of removal if desired, (g) connecting the platforms to the structural members using removable connections, to erect a vehicle servicing unit with first, second and third levels and with an opening down through the first level for a worker standing on the third level to access the underside of a vehicle, and (h) placing cabinet units on the erected structure, in such a way as to be adjacent to the first, second and third levels for convenience of a worker. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification