Patent Grant
11268272
The invention relates to a temporary or semi-permanent structure and, in particular, to a temporary or semi-permanent structure that may be installed on a site to increase the amount of usable space at the site without eliminating or significantly detracting from the site's current or future permanent usage.
Land owners may acquire land that is undeveloped or partially developed and hold it for a number of years, or even decades, before the land is fully developed. In urban areas, undeveloped or partially developed land is often used as surface parking for nearby buildings and residences. In suburban areas, surface parking is used for retail, restaurant, and other uses where the parking needs fluctuate or change over time. While using land as surface parking provides income for the land owner prior to full development of the site (or serves another use, e.g., retail, restaurant, office, hotel, apartments, etc.), it does not necessarily maximize income generation at the site during the time period before the site is fully developed or in cases where the need for parking is in seasonal demand or subject to other market cycle demand fluctuations. Surface parking lots also typically include space that is un-utilized or underutilized due to the configuration of the parking spaces within the lot. For example, corner sections of the parking lot or center islands of the parking lot are not available to be used for parking. Further, there is a need in many urban areas, and suburban areas, for relatively low cost, flexible space that may be used for a variety of purposes, including as an apartment, temporary lodging, retail, restaurant, storage, and/or office.
A structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention described herein includes a support assembly, a module removably supported by an upper surface of the support assembly, and an access system that is configured to allow a person adjacent a lower surface of the support assembly to move vertically upward adjacent the upper surface of the support assembly. The module at least partially encloses an interior space that is accessible through an opening in the module. The module is not permanently joined to the support assembly, and there is an accessible volume of space positioned below the module. Preferably, the structure is installed at a site that allows the land owner to make additional income at the site, by renting or selling the space within the module, without losing any potential income from the site's current use. The accessible volume of space below the module may be used for any purpose, including the pre-existing usage of the space at the site where the structure is located. For example, if the structure is located in a parking lot, the module may be positioned above parking spaces in the lot that may continue to be used for parking automobiles. Further, because the module is removably supported by the support assembly and is not permanently joined to the support assembly, the module, and other components of the structure, preferably may be moved for reuse at a different site if it is desired to develop the original site with a permanent higher-income producing structure. The structure, in accordance with the invention, may be installed at any type of site, including, but not limited to, a parking lot, vacant land, or on the roof of an existing structure.
Preferably, the interior space within the module is habitable space that may be used as an apartment or temporary lodging room, storage space, space configured for use as an office or retail store, a restaurant, or any combination of the foregoing. The access system may comprise stairs, an elevator, and/or a ladder. Preferably, the access system is located on un-utilized or underutilized space so that it does not eliminate or significantly detract from the existing usage of the space (e.g., the access system may be located in the corner of a parking lot or in a center island of a parking lot in space where it does not eliminate any of the parking spaces within the parking lot). The access system may also be located within a parking stall(s) at the determination of the land owner. The structure may include any number of modules that are either supported directly by the upper surface of the support assembly or by another module. For example, the structure may include a second module that is supported by the support assembly and third and fourth modules that are positioned on top of, and supported by, first and second modules, respectively. Preferably, a walkway may also be utilized to connect two or more modules along the structure's exterior or interior on either or both sides to provide access between horizontally placed modules.
In one preferred embodiment, the access system is installed in the corner of an existing parking lot where it does not eliminate any of the parking spaces within the parking lot, and the support assembly includes columns, which are positioned between parking spaces in the parking lot so that the support assembly does not eliminate any of the parking spaces. The first and second modules each extend laterally outward from the access system and are positioned above at least one parking space in the parking lot. The first and second modules are generally perpendicular to each other with the access system positioned adjacent an end of each module.
The module preferably includes utility connections that are operable to be releasably connected with utilities that are available at the site, or brought to the site through other means, where the structure is installed. For example, the module may include an electrical connection, gas connection, potable water connection, and sewer connection. If a second module is placed on top of the module, the module also preferably includes inter-module utility connections that are operable to be releasably connected with the utility connections of the second module to provide the second module with access to the utilities available at the site. Alternatively, or in addition to the foregoing, the module may include structure or apparatuses designed to provide a replacement utility service to the module (e.g., electrical generator, solar panels, potable water storage reservoir, gas storage reservoir, and sewage reservoir).
A method of increasing usable space in accordance with the invention described herein includes the step of installing a structure having a support assembly, module, and access system as described above. To install the structure, the support assembly and access system are preferably first erected at the site where it is desired to increase usable space. The support assembly and access system are preferably coupled to the ground in a removable manner so they may be moved and reused at a different site in the future. The module is then preferably lifted and placed on top of the support assembly. The module may be lifted and placed on top of the support assembly in one piece or in multiple sections that are each individually lifted and placed on the support assembly. The module is removably joined to the support assembly in a manner that may be reversed if it is desired to uninstall the structure from the site in the future. Additional modules may be removably placed on top of the support assembly, and/or on top of modules already in place.
Another method of increasing usable space in accordance with the invention described herein includes the following steps. A support assembly is erected so that a first portion of the support assembly is positioned between a first parking space and a second parking space of the plurality of parking spaces, and a second portion of the support assembly is positioned across a drive aisle of the parking lot from the first portion of the support assembly. An access system is erected. A module is placed on the support assembly so that the module is supported by the support assembly, the module is positioned above at least one of the parking spaces in the parking lot, there is an accessible volume of space positioned below the module that is sufficient to permit an automobile to park in the at least one of the parking spaces of the parking lot, the module is positioned above a drive aisle of the parking lot, and there is an accessible volume of space positioned below the module that is sufficient to permit an automobile to drive in the drive aisle. The module is removably connected to the support assembly.
The module may be placed on the support assembly in one-piece or section by section. The module may include a frame and a covering coupled to the frame. The module may include a floor that is supported by the support assembly, or the support assembly may include the floor with the frame of the module being positioned above the floor. One or more temporary walls may be used to enclose at least a portion of the space below the support assembly.
Another method of increasing usable space in accordance with the invention described herein includes the following steps. A support assembly is erected. An access system is erected. A module is placed on the support assembly so that the module is supported by the support assembly, the module is positioned above at least one of the parking spaces in the parking lot, and there is an accessible volume of space positioned below the module that is sufficient to permit an automobile to park in the at least one of the parking spaces. The module includes a frame and a covering coupled to the frame. The module is removably connected to the support assembly. The covering may be a fabric. The frame may be placed on the support assembly followed by coupling the covering to the frame.
Additional aspects of the invention, together with the advantages and novel features appurtenant thereto, will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned from the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
First Exemplary Embodiment of Structure
A structure in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein is identified generally as 10 in
Structure 10 includes a support assembly 12, a ground-level enclosure 13, a module 14, and an access system 16 (best shown in
While
Support assembly 12 supports and elevates module 14 above the ground level of parking lot 18. Support assembly 12 includes a lower surface 28 that is supported by the ground and an upper surface 30, which is spaced above lower surface 28 and supports module 14. Support assembly 12 includes a plurality of columns 34, beams 36, and cross-braces 38 that are suitably designed, constructed, and installed to support module 14. Support assembly 12 may consist of a plurality of discrete, unconnected components or subassemblies that cooperate to support module 14 above the ground level of parking lot 18, or support assembly 12 may consist of an integrated, connected assembly of components that support module 14. Portions of support assembly 12 are hidden from view in
Ground-level enclosure 13 is supported by support assembly 12 and the ground beneath a portion of module 14. Ground-level enclosure 13 includes four walls 40 that enclose an interior space, which may be used for any desired purpose, such as an apartment, a lodging room, a retail store, storage, restaurant, or an office. A door 42 provides access to the interior space within ground-level enclosure 13.
Module 14 is preferably a pre-assembled building or unit, the structure of which consists primarily of four walls 48a-d, a floor 50, and a roof 52 that enclose an interior space. Module 14 preferably also includes any necessary framing components or structural supports that may exist separately from, or be incorporated into, the walls 48a-d, floor 50, and roof 52. Module 14 may be constructed using an existing structure such as a shipping container and/or from discrete components assembled together to form module 14. The floor 50 of module 14 abuts and is supported by the upper surface 30 of support assembly 12. A portion of the floor 50 of module 14 also abuts and is supported by the upper surface of ground-level enclosure 13.
The interior space enclosed by the walls 48a-d, floor 50, and roof 52 is accessible through an opening in wall 48d and associated door 54. In the exemplary floor plan shown in
Module 14 is preferably pre-assembled at a location remote from where it is installed, transported to the location of install, and then lifted on top of support assembly 12 by a crane or other lifting apparatus. Module 14 may be lifted and placed on top of the support assembly 12 in one piece or in multiple sections that are each individually lifted and placed on the support assembly 12. Module 14 is then preferably removably connected to support assembly 12, such that module 14 is removably supported by support assembly 12, and also may be removably connected to ground-level enclosure 13. Module 14 is preferably joined to support assembly 12 with removable fasteners, such as bolts, by connections that will be created during fabrication of the module 14, or by some other joining method that is reversible without the complete or partial destruction of components. Module 14 is preferably not permanently joined to the support assembly 12, and the exemplary joining methods described herein are not deemed to permanently join the module 14 to the support assembly 12 for purposes of this disclosure. For example, components of module 14 are preferably not fastened to or made integral with support assembly 12 in a manner that requires the complete destruction of components before module 14 may be lifted off of and removed from support assembly 12.
Module 14 may also be formed from a frame with a covering that attaches to the frame. For example, the upper surface 30 of the support assembly 12 may be continuous so that it serves as the floor of the module 14. The frame of the module 14 may be positioned on top of the upper surface 30 of the support assembly 12, and the covering of the module 14 may be positioned over and attached to the frame. The covering may be made from fabric, for example any type of fabric suitable for use with a tent.
Module 14 preferably includes a plurality of utility connections that are each configured to be releasably coupled with a site utility connection at the site where structure 10 is installed. The utility connections of module 14 may include one or more of the following: electrical connection, gas connection, potable water connection, and sewer connection. The utility connections of module 14 are preferably positioned near or adjacent the floor 50 of module 14 so that they may be connected to utilities installed at the site where structure 10 is located or, if module 14 is placed on top of another like module, as described below, the utility connections may releasably connect to inter-module utility connections positioned near or adjacent the roof 52 of the lower module 14.
When module 14 is installed on top of support assembly 12 and ground-level enclosure 13, an accessible volume of space 92 is positioned below at least a portion of module 14. The accessible volume of space 92 preferably has a height that is sufficient to park an automobile within the accessible volume of space 92. As shown in
As shown in the figures related to some of the alternative embodiments described below, additional modules (not shown), which may be similar or identical to module 14, may be placed on top of and be supported by module 14. Any number of modules 14 may be placed on top of support assembly 12 as allowed under any applicable laws, regulations, and codes. In order to accommodate additional modules 14 being placed thereon, module 14 preferably includes one or more inter-module utility connections. For example, module 14 may include an electrical connection, gas connection, potable water connection, a data, fiber optic, and/or low voltage connection, and sewer connection that are positioned adjacent roof 52 and designed for releasable connection with the utility connections of an upper module (not shown) placed on top of and supported by module 14. As described above, such utility connections of the upper module are preferably located near or adjacent the floor of the upper module so that they may be releasably connected with the inter-module utility connections near the roof 52 of a lower module 14. The utility connections located near the floor 50 of a module 14 are preferably designed for quick, releasable connection with the inter-module utility connections located near the roof 52 of a module 14. For example, the utility connections located near the floor 50 may be male connectors, and the inter-module utility connections located near the roof 52 may be female connectors, or vice versa. Within a single module 14, the utility connections and inter-module utility connections are in communication with each other so that the module 14 can provide continuous utility service to any modules positioned above it.
Further, in order to accommodate additional modules 14, structure 10 preferably includes above ground walkways that provide access between adjacent modules 14 and access system 16. The above ground walkways may be external (i.e., positioned outside of the exterior walls of modules 14) or internal (i.e., positioned within the exterior walls of modules 14 or covered, partially enclosed, or fully enclosed in some manner).
Access system 16 is configured to allow a person on the ground, or adjacent the lower surface 28 of support assembly 12, to move vertically upward adjacent the upper surface 30 of support assembly 12 to a position where the person may access the door 54 of module 14 and enter module 14. As best shown in
The exterior walls of structure 10 may include advertising and/or branding for existing and/or future buildings in the vicinity, such as retail, neighborhood districts, projects, hotels, and/or storage sites.
Second Exemplary Embodiment of Structure
Referring now to
Support assembly 102 may be constructed from any of the components described above, and by any of the methods described above, in connection with support assembly 12. Unlike support assembly 12, support assembly 102 extends outward from the corner section 114 of the parking lot 112 in two directions to form an L-shape.
Ground-level enclosure 104 is supported by support assembly 102 and the ground beneath a portion of second module 108. Ground-level enclosure 104 includes four walls 124 that enclose an interior space, which may be used for any desired purpose, such as an apartment, a lodging room, a retail store, storage, restaurant, a live-work unit, or an office. A door 126 provides access to the interior space within ground-level enclosure 104.
First and second modules 106 and 108 may be constructed from any of the components described above, and by any of the methods described above, in connection with module 14. Further, first and second modules 106 and 108 may be used for any of the purposes described above in connection with module 14, and include any of the alternative features described above in connection with module 14. First and second modules 106 and 108 are also preferably removably joined to, and supported by, support assembly 102 in accordance with any of the methods and components described above with respect to module 14. In addition, first and second modules 106 and 108 preferably include similar utility and inter-module utility connections as described above in connection with module 14. Only the differences between first and second modules 106 and 108 and module 14 are described in detail herein.
First module 106 is supported by the first end section 118 and middle section 119 of support assembly 102, and is positioned over five parking spaces 116 in parking lot 112 to create an accessible volume of space 132 beneath first module 106. Accessible volume of space 132 is preferably sized to allow five automobiles to park beneath first module 106, but may have any size and be used for any purpose including those described above in connection with structure 10.
Second module 108 is supported by the ground-level enclosure 104 (and/or portions of the support assembly 102 incorporated into the ground-level enclosure 104) and second end section 120 of support assembly 102, and is positioned over three parking spaces 116 in parking lot 112 to create an accessible volume of space 148 beneath second module 108. Ground-level enclosure 104 is positioned beneath a portion of second module 108. Accessible volume of space 148 is preferably sized to allow three automobiles to park beneath second module 108, but may have any size and be used for any purpose including those described above in connection with structure 10.
Access system 110 may be constructed from any of the components described above, and by any of the methods described above, in connection with access system 16. Further, access system 110 may be used for any of the purposes described above in connection with access system 16, and include any of the alternative features described above in connection with access system 16. Only the differences between access system 110 and access system 16 are described in detail herein.
Access system 110 is configured to allow a person on the ground, or adjacent the lower surface 102a of support assembly 102 to move vertically upward adjacent the upper surface 102b of support assembly 102 to a position where the person may access the doors 134 and 150 of first and second modules 106 and 108, respectively. Access system includes a first set of stairs 160, shown in
Third Exemplary Embodiment of Structure
Referring to
Structure 300 includes a support assembly 302, a ground-level enclosure 304, a first module 306, a second module 308, a third module 310, a fourth module 312, and an access system 314. Like structure 10, structure 300 is also shown in
First module 306 and second module 308 are removably supported by support assembly 302 in a substantially similar manner as the first and second modules 106 and 108 of structure 100, except that first and second modules 306 and 308 are slightly wider than first and second modules 106 and 108 to provide more space for an occupant. Referring to
Third and fourth modules 310 and 312 are removably supported by upper surfaces of first and second modules 306 and 308, respectively, in a similar manner as described above with respect to structure 200. Referring to
Access system 314 is positioned adjacent ground-level enclosure 304 and includes an enclosed lower level with a door 354. Referring to
Fourth Exemplary Embodiment of Structure
Structure 400 includes a support assembly 402, a ground-level enclosure 404, a first module 406, a second module 408, a third module 410, a fourth module 412, and an access system 414. Like structure 10, structure 400 is also shown in
First module 406 and second module 408 are removably supported by support assembly 402 in a substantially similar manner as the first and second modules 106 and 108 of structure 100, except that first and second modules 406 and 408 are slightly wider than first and second modules 106 and 108 to provide more space for an occupant. Referring to
Third and fourth modules 410 and 412 are removably supported by upper surfaces of first and second modules 406 and 408, respectively, in a similar manner as described above with respect to structures 200 and 300. The floor layouts of third and fourth modules 410 and 412 may be substantially similar to the layouts of first and second modules 406 and 408, respectively.
Access system 414 has a substantially similar structure and function as access system 314 described above. Thus, access system 414 is not described in detail herein.
Fifth Exemplary Embodiment of Structure
Structure 500 includes a support assembly 502, a first module 504, a second module 506, a third module 508, and an access system 510. Like structure 10, structure 500 is also shown in
First module 504 and second module 506 are removably supported by support assembly 502 in a substantially similar manner as the first and second modules 106 and 108 of structure 100, except that first and second modules 504 and 506 are slightly wider than first and second modules 106 and 108 to provide more space for an occupant. Referring to
Third module 508 is removably supported by an upper surface of second module 506 in a similar manner as described above with respect to structure 200. Referring to
Access system 510 has a substantially similar structure and function as access system 314 described above. Thus, access system 510 is not described in detail herein.
Exemplary Positioning of Structures
Parking lot 600 includes a center island 606 positioned between parking spaces located in the center of the parking lot 600. Stairs 608 and 610 are located on center island 606. Structures 612 and 614 are accessible via stairs 608 and 610, respectively, and are positioned above parking spaces on either side of center island 606 to utilize the space above those parking spaces while still allowing automobiles to park in the parking spaces. Parking lot includes center islands 616 and 618 positioned at either end of a row of parking spaces. Stairs 620 and 622 are located on center islands 616 and 618, respectively. Structures 624 and 626 are accessible via stairs 620 and 622, respectively, and are positioned above parking spaces between center islands 616 and 618 to utilize the space above those parking spaces while still allowing automobiles to park in the parking spaces. Parking lot 600 includes a corner section 628 that due to the configuration of parking spaces within the lot is un-utilized or underutilized space not available for parking automobiles. Stairs 630 are located in corner section 628. Structure 632 is accessible via stairs 630 and is positioned above parking spaces extending outward from both sides of corner section 628. Parking lot 600 includes a raised median 634 at the end of a row of parking spaces. Stairs 636 are located on raised median 634. Structure 638 is accessible via stairs 636 and is positioned above parking spaces adjacent raised median 634. Parking lot 600 may include one or more of the structures 612, 614, 624, 626, 632, and 638 shown in
Parking lot 602 shown in
Parking lot 604 shown in
Sixth Exemplary Embodiment of Structure
Support assembly 802 supports and elevates first, second, third, and fourth modules 804, 806, 808, and 810 above the ground level of parking lot 814. Support assembly 802 includes a lower surface 826 that is supported by the ground 832 and an upper surface 828, which is spaced above lower surface 826 and supports first and second modules 804 and 806. Support assembly 802 includes spaced apart columns 830a-k (
Ground-level enclosure 803, shown in
First module 804 is preferably a pre-assembled building or unit, the structure of which consists primarily of four walls 840a-d (
The interior space enclosed by the walls 840a-d (
An end of first module 804 formed by wall 840d is positioned adjacent access system 812, which is positioned in the corner 816 of parking lot 814. First module 804 extends from wall 840d to wall 840a laterally outward from access system 812. First module 804 is positioned above the first row of parking spaces 818. First module 804 is spaced above the ground 832 forming the first row of parking spaces 818 a distance sufficient to allow an automobile to park in an accessible volume of space 872 (
Second module 806 is substantially similar to first module 804 but is supported by columns 830e and 830g-k (
Third and fourth modules 808 and 810 are positioned on top of, and removably supported by, upper surfaces of first and second modules 804 and 806, respectively. Third and fourth modules 808 and 810 are preferably not permanently joined to first and second modules 804 and 806 so that they may be lifted off, slid off, or otherwise removed off of first and second modules 804 and 806 in a manner similar to as described above with respect to lifting module 14 off of support assembly 12. Third and fourth modules 808 and 810 may be removably joined to first and second modules 804 and 806 in a similar manner as described above with respect to the connector 74 shown in
Third module 808 has a similar structure as first module 804 described above except that third module 808 includes an unenclosed area 878 (
First and second modules 804 and 806 preferably include similar utility and inter-module utility connections as described above in connection with module 14. Third and fourth modules 808 and 810 preferably access utilities from first and second modules 804 and 806 with utility connections of third and fourth modules 808 and 810 that are releasably connected to inter-module utility connections of first and second modules 804 and 806, as described above. The utility lines of the first, second, third, and fourth modules 804, 806, 808, and 810 may be positioned within hollow cavities of the vertical posts forming the structure of the modules. For example, post 854 (
Access system 812 may be constructed from any of the components described above, and by any of the methods described above, in connection with access system 16. Further, access system 812 may be used for any of the purposes described above in connection with access system 16, and include any of the alternative features described above in connection with access system 16. Only the differences between access system 812 and access system 16 are described in detail herein. Access system 812 is configured to allow a person on the ground 832, or adjacent the lower surface 826 of support assembly 802 to move vertically upward adjacent the upper surface 828 of support assembly 802 to a position where the person may access the doors or openings of first, second, third, and fourth modules 804, 806, 808, and 810. Access system includes a first set of stairs 884, shown in
The first set of stairs 884 shown in
In addition to including stairs, access system 812, and any of the other access systems disclosed herein, may include an elevator (not shown) to transport individuals between the different levels of structure 800.
Support assembly 802, ground-level enclosure 803, first module 804, second module 806, third module 808, fourth module 810, and access system 812 are preferably removably connected to each other using any of the connection methods and structures described above in connection with the other structures disclosed herein.
Structure 800 may include additional modules placed on top of third and fourth modules 808 and 810 and additional modules placed end-to-end with first, second, third, and/or fourth modules 804, 806, 808, and 810. Further, structure 800 may include above ground walkways that provide access between adjacent modules and access system 812. The above ground walkways may be external (i.e., positioned outside of the exterior walls of the modules) or internal (i.e., positioned within the exterior walls of the modules or covered, partially enclosed, or fully enclosed in some manner).
The modules of structure 800, and the other structures disclosed herein, may be formed from preassembled walls, floors, and roofs that are stored and shipped stacked together. For example, referring to
Seventh Exemplary Embodiment of Structure
Structure 900 includes a first support assembly 902 (substantially similar to support assembly 802), a second support assembly 934, a ground-level enclosure 903, a first module 904, a second module 906, a third module 908, a fourth module 910, a fifth module 936, a sixth module 938, a seventh module 940, a first access system 912 (substantially similar to access system 812), and a second access system 942. Each of fifth, sixth, and seventh modules 936, 938, and 940 may be identical to any one of the first, second, third, and fourth modules 904, 906, 908, and 910.
Ground-level enclosure 903 and first access system 912 are located in a corner 916 of the parking lot 914 in an area that is conventionally un-utilized or underutilized due to the configuration of the parking spaces located in the parking lot 914. As shown in
First module 904 is supported by first support assembly 902 and ground-level enclosure 903 to position first module 904 above the first row of parking spaces 918. First module 904 is spaced above the ground 932 forming the first row of parking spaces 918 a distance sufficient to allow an automobile to park in an accessible volume of space beneath first module 904. Second module 906 is supported by first support assembly 902 and ground-level enclosure 903 to position second module 906 above the second row of parking spaces 920. Second module 906 is spaced above the ground 932 forming the second row of parking spaces 920 a distance sufficient to allow an automobile to park in an accessible volume of space beneath second module 906. The components (e.g., columns) of first support assembly 902 and second support assembly 934 may be positioned on the lines between adjacent parking spaces in order to not directly impede the use of the existing parking spaces of the parking lot 914 for parking an automobile.
Second support assembly 934 is oriented generally parallel to first and third modules 904 and 908 and generally perpendicular to second and fourth modules 906 and 910. Second support assembly 934 includes a lower surface 944 that is supported by the ground 932 and an upper surface 946, which is spaced above lower surface 944 and supports fifth, sixth, and seventh modules 936, 938, and 940. As shown, second support assembly 934 is a walled structure. However, it is within the scope of the present invention for second support assembly 934 to be formed from a plurality of structural supports (i.e.—spaced apart columns).
Fifth, sixth, and seventh modules 936, 938, and 940 are removably supported and elevated by second support assembly 934 above the ground 932 of parking lot 914. As shown, fifth and sixth modules 936 and 938 are positioned above drive aisle 928 and rows of parking spaces 931 of parking lot 914, and seventh module 940 is positioned above drive aisle 930. An accessible volume of space is positioned below fifth, sixth, and seventh modules 936, 938, and 940 through which an automobile may drive in the drive aisles 928 and 930 and park in the rows of parking spaces 931. Fifth, sixth, and seventh modules 936, 938, and 940 may be positioned high enough above the ground 932 to allow large trucks to drive through drive aisles 928 and 930. Fifth, sixth, and seventh modules 936, 938, and 940 may be removably joined to each other and abutting portions of third and/or fourth modules 908 and 910 and may include openings for access to the interior space enclosed by third and/or fourth modules 908 and 910.
Fifth, sixth, and seventh modules 936, 938, and 940 may access utilities from first and second modules 904 and 906 with utility connections of fifth, sixth, and seventh modules 936, 938, and 940. The utility lines of the fifth, sixth, and seventh modules 936, 938, and 940 may be positioned as described above in connection with first, second, third, and fourth modules 804, 806, 808, and 810. Alternatively, second support assembly 934 may be substantially hollow so that it may contain utility lines extending upward from the ground 932 and first and second modules 904 and 906.
Second access system 942 may be constructed from any of the components described above, and by any of the methods described above, in connection with access systems 16 and 812. Further, second access system 942 may be used for any of the purposes described above in connection with access systems 16 and 812, and include any of the alternative features described above in connection with access systems 16 and 812. Only the differences between second access system 942 and access system 16 are described in detail herein. Second access system 942 is configured to allow a person on the ground 932, or adjacent the lower surface 944 of second support assembly 934 to move vertically upward adjacent the upper surface 946 of second support assembly 934 to a position where the person may access doors or openings of one or more of fifth, sixth, and seventh modules 936, 938, and 940.
First support assembly 902, ground-level enclosure 903, first access system 912, second support assembly 934, second access system 942, and first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh modules 904, 906, 908, 910, 936, 938, and 940 are preferably removably connected to each other using any of the connection methods and structures described above in connection with the other structures disclosed herein.
Although structure 900 is shown with a total of seven modules that extend up to two levels above the ground 932 of the parking lot 914, it is within the scope of the invention for structure 900 to include more or less than seven modules and to include more levels than the ground level, second level, and/or the third level of structure 900. For example, the structure 900 may include any combination of the ground, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or more levels with additional modules stacked on top of the modules shown in
Eighth Exemplary Embodiment of Structure
Like structure 900, structure 1000 includes a first support assembly 1002, a ground-level enclosure 1003, a first access system 1012, a second support assembly 1034, a second access system 1042, and first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh modules 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1036, 1038, and 1040. In addition to the elements described above in connection with structure 900, structure 1000 further includes an eighth module 1048, a ninth module 1050, and a tenth module 1052. Each of eighth, ninth, and tenth modules 1048, 1050, and 1052 may be identical to any one of the other modules of structure 1000. As described above with respect to structure 900, additional modules can be added or subtracted from structure 1000 in order to optimize and increase the amount of usable space for the property.
Second support assembly 1034 is shorter than second support assembly 934 in order to accommodate the eighth, ninth, and tenth modules 1048, 1050, and 1052. Otherwise, second support assembly 1034 is substantially identical to second support assembly 934. The upper surface of second support assembly 1034 supports eighth, ninth, and tenth modules 1048, 1050, and 1052. Second support assembly 1034 is positioned on a center island of the parking lot in a similar manner as the second support assembly 934 described above. Second support assembly 1034 may function as both the support for supporting the modules above it and also include stairs or another access system for accessing the modules above it, such as, but not limited to, ladders, elevators, or the like.
Eighth, ninth, and tenth modules 1048, 1050, and 1052 are positioned beneath and removably support respective fifth, sixth, and seventh modules 1036, 1038, and 1040. Fifth, sixth, and seventh modules 1036, 1038, and 1040 are preferably not permanently joined to eighth, ninth, and tenth modules 1048, 1050, and 1052 so that they may be lifted off, slid off, or otherwise removed off of eighth, ninth, and tenth modules 1048, 1050, and 1052 in a manner similar to as described above with respect to lifting module 14 off of support assembly 12. Fifth, sixth, and seventh modules 1036, 1038, and 1040 may be removably joined to eighth, ninth, and tenth modules 1048, 1050, and 1052 in a similar manner as described above with respect to the connector 74 shown in
Eighth, ninth, and tenth modules 1048, 1050, and 1052 are removably supported and elevated by second support assembly 1034 above the ground level of parking lot 1014. As shown, eighth and ninth modules 1048 and 1050 are positioned above drive aisle 1028 and rows of parking spaces 1031 of parking lot 1014, and tenth module 1052 is positioned above drive aisle 1030. An accessible volume of space is positioned below eighth, ninth, and tenth modules 1048, 1050, and 1052 through which an automobile may drive in the drive aisles 1028 and 1030 and park in the rows of parking spaces 1031. Eighth, ninth, and tenth modules 1048, 1050, and 1052 may be removably joined to each other and abutting portions of first and/or second modules 1004 and 1006 and may include openings for access to the interior space enclosed by first and/or second modules 1004 and 1006.
Eighth, ninth, and tenth modules 1048, 1050, and 1052 may access utilities from first and second modules 904 and 906 with utility connections of eighth, ninth, and tenth modules 1048, 1050, and 1052. The utility lines of the eighth, ninth, and tenth modules 1048, 1050, and 1052 may be positioned as described above in connection with first, second, third, and fourth modules 804, 806, 808, and 810 and/or fifth, sixth, and seventh modules 936, 938, and 940.
First support assembly 1002, ground-level enclosure 1003, first access system 1012, second support assembly 1034, second access system 1042, and first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth modules 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1036, 1038, 1040, 1048, 1050, and 1052 are preferably removably connected to each other using any of the connection methods and structures described above in connection with the other structures disclosed herein.
Ninth Exemplary Embodiment of Structure
Referring now to
The portions of the parking lot 1110 shown in
Support assembly 1102 may be constructed from any of the components described above, and by any of the methods described above, in connection with support assembly 12. Unlike support assembly 12, support assembly 1102 extends outward from the corner section 1112 of the parking lot 1110 in two directions to form an L-shape. The support assembly 1102 includes a plurality of columns, one of which is identified as 1121, that are supported by and extend upward from the ground. The columns 1121 may be positioned in the corner section 1112, outside of and adjacent to the peripheral boundary lines 1116 and 1120, and between adjacent parking spaces, i.e., on a line separating two adjacent parking spaces. In this manner, the columns 1121 do not impede the ability of an automobile to park in the parking spaces. Support assembly 1102 includes a lower surface 1102a that is supported by the ground and an upper surface 1102b, which is spaced above lower surface 1102a and supports first and second modules 1104 and 1106. The upper surface 1102b of the support assembly 1102 is substantially continuous beneath the first module 1104 and beneath the second module 1106 such that it is suitable for use as a floor of the first and second modules 1104, 1106.
First and second modules 1104 and 1106 may be used for any of the purposes described above in connection with module 14, and include any of the alternative features described above in connection with module 14. In addition, first and second modules 1104 and 1106 preferably include similar utility connections as described above in connection with module 14. Only the differences between first and second modules 1104 and 1106 and module 14 are described in detail herein.
Each of the first and second modules 1104 and 1106 includes a frame 1122 that is removably connected to the support assembly 1102 and a covering 1124 that is attached to the frame 1122 and/or support assembly 1102 in a removable manner.
The structure 1100 may also include temporary walls that can be used to enclose the space beneath the support assembly 1102. For example,
Access system 1108 may be constructed from any of the components described above, and by any of the methods described above, in connection with access system 16. Further, access system 1108 may be used for any of the purposes described above in connection with access system 16, and include any of the alternative features described above in connection with access system 16. Only the differences between access system 1108 and access system 16 are described in detail herein.
Access system 1108 is configured to allow a person on the ground, or adjacent the lower surface 1102a of support assembly 1102 to move vertically upward adjacent the upper surface 1102b of support assembly 1102 to a position where the person may access the doors 1138 and 1140 of first and second modules 1104 and 1106, respectively. Access system includes a first set of stairs 1142, shown in
The structure 1100 may be particularly suitable for use as a temporary medical facility. For example, the structure 1100 may be erected in the parking lot of an existing medical facility, such as a hospital or urgent care center. The structure 1100 may be used to house and treat patients of communicable diseases, such as COVID-19, to separate such patients from the general patient population of the medical facility and reduce the risk of transmission of the disease within the medical facility. By elevating the modules 1104 and 1106 above the parking lot 1110, the parking spaces within the parking lot 1110 may still be used to park automobiles. By placing the structure 1100 in a parking lot near an existing medical facility, the medical staff can continue to use the existing medical facility as a home-base for the structure 1100. This reduces the need to transport large quantities of medical supplies and medical staff from an existing medical facility to the temporary medical facility. If additional space is needed for storage or patient care, the temporary walls 1130, 1132, 1134, and 1136 may be dropped to the position shown in
Tenth Exemplary Embodiment of Structure
The parking lot 1214 includes corner sections 1222 and 1224 that are not available for parking automobiles due to the arrangement of the parking spaces within the parking lot 1214. A first row of parking spaces 1226 extends between the corner sections 1222 and 1224 along a peripheral boundary line 1228 of the parking lot 1214. The parking lot 1214 further includes a second row of parking spaces 1230 that are separated from the first row of parking spaces 1226 by a drive aisle 1232 of the parking lot 1214, i.e., area of the parking lot within which automobiles drive to access the parking spaces. A third row of parking spaces 1234 is positioned adjacent the second row of parking spaces 1230. A fourth row of parking spaces 1236 is shown extending outward from corner section 1224 with a drive aisle 1238 positioned between the fourth row of parking spaces 1236 and the second and third rows of parking spaces 1230 and 1234. Further, a drive aisle 1240 extends perpendicular to drive aisle 1232 between a second peripheral boundary line 1242 of the parking lot 1214 and the second and third rows of parking spaces 1230 and 1234.
Each of the modules 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208, 1210, and 1212 extends from or adjacent the peripheral boundary line 1228 over the first row of parking spaces 1226, over the drive aisle 1232, over the second row of parking spaces 1230, and over a portion of the third row of parking spaces 1234. Specifically, each of the modules 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208, 1210, and 1212 has a width so that it is positioned over two of the parking spaces in each of the first, second, and third rows of parking spaces 1226, 1230, and 1234. The modules 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208, 1210, and 1212 may be sized to be positioned over more or less than two of the parking spaces in each row, and also to be positioned over fractional portions of a parking space in each row (e.g., 1.5 parking spaces in each row). Additional modules (not shown) may be placed on top of the modules 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208, 1210, and 1212 in the same manner as described above with respect to the other structures described and shown herein.
The modules 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208, 1210, and 1212 may be constructed from any of the components described above, and by any of the methods described above, in connection with module 14 and the other modules described herein. Further, the modules 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208, 1210, and 1212 may be used for any of the purposes described above in connection with module 14, and include any of the alternative features described above in connection with module 14. The modules 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208, 1210, and 1212 are also preferably removably joined to, and supported by, support assembly 1216 in accordance with any of the methods and components described above with respect to module 14. In addition, the modules 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208, 1210, and 1212 preferably include similar utility and inter-module utility connections as described above in connection with module 14.
The support assembly 1216 may be constructed in any suitable manner so that it is capable of supporting the modules 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208, 1210, and 1212 above the ground surface of the parking lot 1214 a distance that allows an automobile to park in any of the parking spaces of the first, second, and third rows of parking spaces 1226, 1230, and 1234, and that allows an automobile to drive through the drive aisle 1232. The support assembly 1216 is shown in
Access system 1218 is positioned in the corner section 1222 of the parking lot 1214 in a position where it does not eliminate any of the existing parking spaces within the parking lot 1214. Access system 1218 may be constructed from any of the components described above, and by any of the methods described above, in connection with access system 16. Further, access system 1218 may be used for any of the purposes described above in connection with access system 16, and include any of the alternative features described above in connection with access system 16. Access system 1218 is configured to allow a person on the ground, or adjacent the lower surface of support assembly 1216 to move vertically upward adjacent the upper surface of support assembly 1216 to a position where the person may access the elevated walkway 1220 from which the person may access doors of the modules 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208, 1210, and 1212. If additional modules are installed on top of the modules 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208, 1210, and 1212, the access system 1218 may include additional sets of stairs. Further, additional elevated walkways may be positioned above the walkway 1220 to access the additional modules, and additional access systems may be provided to access the elevated walkway 1220. The elevated walkway 1220 extends from the access system 1218 to the module 1212 and may be joined to the support assembly 1216.
Methods for Installing Structures
A method for increasing usable space in accordance with the invention described herein includes installing at least one of structures 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, and 1200 at a site where it is desired to increase usable space. The structure(s) 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, and 1200 are preferably installed at a location without detracting from the current use at the site as discussed above. Further, the structure(s) 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, and 1200 may be installed at any of the exemplary types of sites discussed above. With reference to structure 10, shown in
Structures 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, and 1200 are installed at a site in a similar manner as structure 10, except that for those structures 200, 300, 400, 500, 800, 900, 1000, and 1200 with multiple levels of modules, the upper levels of modules are lifted and set down on lower levels of modules instead of being supported directly by a support assembly. The upper levels of modules are removably joined to the lower levels of modules and any desired utility connections are made between the inter-module utility connections of the lower levels of modules and the utility connections of the upper levels of modules, as discussed above. For structures 900 and 1000, as described above, the installation process further includes erecting a second support assembly 934, 1034 across a drive aisle 928, 1028 of the parking lot 914, 1014 from the first support assembly 902, 1002, and placing one or more modules on top of the second support assembly 934, 1034 so that the module(s) are supported by the second support assembly 934, 1034 and are positioned above the drive aisle 928, 1028. The modules may be lifted and placed in whole on top of the second support assembly 934, 1034, or lifted in sections that are assembled into a module on top of the second support assembly 934, 1034. The module(s) supported by the second support assembly 934, 1034 are further removably connected to the second support assembly 934, 1034. The second support assembly 934, 1034 may be positioned in an unutilized or underutilized portion of the parking lot 914, 1014 (e.g., a median or island) or may be positioned in one or more parking spaces of the parking lot 914, 1014.
For structure 1100 described above, the frame 1122 and covering 1124 may be lifted individually and placed on top of the support assembly 1102 as described above to form the module 1104. The upper surface 1102b of the support assembly 1102 may form the floor of the module 1104, or a separate floor may be lifted and placed on top of the upper surface 1102b of the support assembly 1102. The temporary walls 1130, 1132, 1134, and 1136 may be deployed, as described above, to increase the amount of enclosed space provided by the structure 1100 as desired.
If it is desired to remove one of the structures 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, and 1200 from the site on which it is installed, for example to develop the site with a larger building, any utility connections are first disconnected. With reference to structure 10 in
From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all ends and objectives herein-above set forth, together with the other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the invention.
Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.
While specific embodiments have been shown and discussed, various modifications may of course be made, and the invention is not limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts and steps described herein, except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims. Further, it will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.
This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/985,942, filed on Mar. 6, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application claims priority to and is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/658,422, filed on Oct. 21, 2019, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/938,041, filed on Mar. 28, 2018, which is now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,450,739 and which is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/571,885, filed on Oct. 13, 2017, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20200362550 A1 | Nov 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62985942 | Mar 2020 | US | |
| 62571885 | Oct 2017 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15938041 | Mar 2018 | US |
| Child | 16658422 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16658422 | Oct 2019 | US |
| Child | 16983521 | US |
