Patent Application
20180371780
A common problem in many central district or “downtown” urban areas is the lack of parking spaces. Commercial buildings constructed twenty or more years ago predominately relied on surface parking to satisfy code requirements and tenant needs. It was common to see an allocation of 250 square feet per person when space planning. Today we often see 86-100 square feet per person. The relationship of office space to required parking spaces has grown from 3.5 spaces per thousand square feet to 6 or 7 per thousand square feet.
Property owners and city planners recognize the need to increase parking and desire to build or enlarge existing parking but are constrained because all their available space is currently fully committed to parking. Commercial buildings, airports, rail stations, shopping malls, museums and other properties all share the common problem of limited parking capacity and land utility.
Construction or re-construction projects at these types of facilities are inevitable. Continued development or re-development is critical to the success or failure of the urban area. The problem more clearly defined is “where and how to relocate and maintain customer/client parking during the construction process while at the same time facilitating a safe and efficient project.”
This invention provides on a rental bases, temporary, relocatable and reusable elevated parking effectively doubling existing parking capacity while safely separating construction activity from normal operations. The installation and removal is fast and efficient with little disruption to normal activity.
An exemplary modular parking system having at least one modular parking structure for use on a ground surface may comprise a pair of opposing horizontal support members, a pair of opposing end plates, two pairs of vertical support members having first and second ends, a parking surface coupled to an upper surface of the pair of horizontal support members,
The modular parking system may comprise a levelling system configured to align the modular parking structure. The leveling system may comprise a helical anchor and a column jack. The helical anchor may be coupled to a lower surface of a baseplate; wherein the helical anchor is configured to secure the vertical support member to the ground surface. The column jack may be coupled to the vertical support member. The column jack may comprise a foot and an adjustment mechanism. The foot may reside on an upper surface of the baseplate and the adjustment mechanism allows the height of the vertical support member to be raised or lowered;
The modular parking system may comprise a laser monitoring system configured to monitor the height of each modular parking structure. The laser monitoring system may comprise a transmitter installed at a first end of the modular parking structure and a receiver installed at a second end of the modular parking structure, wherein if a height of the modular parking structure moves more than half an inch, the laser monitoring system will send an alert.
The modular parking system may comprise a fire suppression system. The fire system may comprise a main conduit, a delivery conduit and a plurality of sprinklers. The a main conduit may be coupled to the modular parking structure adjacent the end plates and having a pair of ends. The delivery conduit may be coupled to the main conduit between the pair of ends of the main conduit and extends along the length of the modular parking structures under the support surface. The plurality of sprinklers may be coupled to the delivery conduit.
The modular parking system may comprise an electrical management system. The electrical management system may comprise and electrical conduit, a main distribution line, and a plurality of junction boxes and lights.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appending claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Elements and steps in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence. For example, steps that may be performed concurrently or in a different order are illustrated in the figures to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present technology.
The present technology may be described in terms of functional block components and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of components configured to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results. For example, the present technology may employ various types of building materials such as steel, and the like. In addition, the present technology may be practiced in conjunction with any type of construction equipment and construction techniques. Methods and apparatus for a modular parking system according to various aspects of the present technology may operate in conjunction with any system or device to provide parking capabilities for vehicle parking.
The present technology relates to a modular parking system. A typical modular parking system has an anticipated life cycle of 25 to 30 years. At the end of its useful service life this system is almost entirely recyclable. The modular parking system is capable of fast, efficient non-obtrusive installation over an existing parking area effectively doubling the previous parking capacity. The modular parking system meets all local building codes for a temporary structure.
The modular parking system is offered to combat the existing and expanding problem or lack of parking in congested areas. Each module may consist of pre-assembled, specialized, individual components that can be joined/assembled on the job site in mere hours verses many months that are required to build a standard parking deck. The modular parking system is a structural platform capable of supporting normal parking activity or construction related storage and staging activity.
The modular parking system can be installed and removed much faster and more efficiently that standard parking garages. The modular parking system can be installed over varying terrain conditions and can be configured to any shape or size to accommodate 50 or 500 or 5000 cars. The modular parking system reduces the overall impact that parking has on the environment by increasing the capacity of the existing space.
Referring to
Now referring to
The modular parking system 100 may comprise a ramp 106 or a plurality of ramps 106, which may be detachably coupled to the modular parking structure 104 of the modular parking system 100. The plurality of ramps 106 may comprise a pedestrian ramp 109 and/or a vehicle ramp 106. The plurality of ramps 106 may vary in size depending on the available of space within the designated area 102 and/or other considerations such as cost, speed of deployment, condition of the land, and/or the like. The plurality of ramps 106 may be disposed at any suitable position along the perimeter of the modular parking system 100.
Referring now to
In one embodiment, the end plates 111 may be coupled to the horizontal support members 110 which run transverse of the modular parking structure 104. Each end of the horizontal support members 110 may be coupled to end plates 111. The end plates 111 may be coupled to a first end of the vertical support members 112. The parking surface 108 may be coupled to the horizontal support members 110, wherein the parking surface 108 divides the modular parking structure 104 between a first floor and a second floor. The parking surface 108 may comprise the surface on which vehicles and pedestrians travel. The horizontal and vertical support members 110, 112 and the end plates 111 may comprise any suitable system or device configured to provide structural support to the modular parking structure 104. The horizontal and vertical support members 110, 112 and the end plates 111 may comprise I-beams that are configured to withstand the load of the parking surface and the vehicles placed thereon. The vertical support member 112 may be coupled to the horizontal support member 110 using any suitable system or device. For example, the vertical support member 112 may be coupled to the horizontal support member 110 using a fastener configured to detachably couple the vertical support member 112 to the horizontal support member 110. The entire modular parking structure 104 consists of structural steel bolted connections using structural steel fasteners. Each bolt receives final tightening with a calibrated torque wrench.
The vertical support member 112 may be coupled to the horizontal support member 110 and end plates 111 in such a way as to allow varying degrees of movement to absorb forces provided by vehicles as they travel within and rest upon the modular parking structure 104. The vertical support member 112 may be further coupled to the horizontal support member 110 and end plates 111 using quick-connect type of connections to facilitate the rapid deployment and take-down of the modular parking structure 104.
The modular parking structure 104 may comprise a plurality of vertical support members 112 depending on the specified requirements. For example, fewer vertical support members 104 may be utilized if the modular parking structure 104 is not expected to house many vehicles, particularly on the second floor. In another example, a greater number of vertical support members 112 may be utilized in a modular parking structure 104 that is expected to house numerous vehicles, particularly on the second floor. The number of vertical support members 112 needed for a particular modular parking structure 104 may further depend on various building codes, standards, regulations, and/or the like. Furthermore, the number of vertical support members 112 may be determined based on the cost, speed of deployment, area the modular parking structure 104 will be deployed over, and/or the like. In one embodiment, the modular parking structure 104 may comprise 4 vertical support members 112, 2 horizontal support members 110, 2 end plates 111, and the parking surface 108. If an additional modular parking structure is added to the original modular parking structure 104, the additional modular parking structure may include an additional pair of vertical support members 112, 2 horizontal support members 110, 2 end plates 111, and the parking surface 108. The additional modular parking structure would utilize a pair of the vertical support members 112 from the original modular parking structure. It should be understood that the modular parking system 100 may include as many modular parking structures 104 as necessary for required parking capacity.
The vertical support members 112 may comprise varying and/or adjustable lengths. The particular length of the vertical support member 112 may be determined in part by the condition of the designated area 102. For example, if the designated area 102 on which the modular parking system 100 is deployed is substantially flat, then the plurality of vertical support members 112 may comprise substantially the same lengths. If the designated area 102 comprises sloped and/or uneven surfaces, the plurality of vertical support members 112 may comprise different lengths to accommodate for the sloped and/or uneven surface.
In one embodiment, the parking surface 108 may comprise a finished surface to protect itself against adverse weather conditions such as water, dirt, dust, and debris. The parking surface 108 may comprise various access points configure to provide access from the second floor to the first floor for maintenance and/or repair purposes.
In one embodiment, the vertical support member 112 may comprise a second end that is coupled to and/or secured by a baseplate 114. A baseplate 114 may be configured to provide structural stability and support to the vertical support members 112 when the modular parking structure 104 is erected. The baseplate 114 may be secured to a mounting surface. For example, to prevent the base plates 114 from shifting and/or moving, the base plates 114 may be secured directly to the mounting surface, which may comprise concrete, asphalt, or any other surface where the modular parking structure 104 is installed. The baseplate 114 may be disposed on the mounting surface or may be disposed under the mounting surface. For example, if the modular parking structure 104 is erected on a sloping land, the base plates 114 may need to be secured beneath the ground instead of on the surface of the ground. The base plates 114 may comprise any suitable system or device configured to support a vertical support member 104.
Typical concrete foundations such as grade beams or caissons requiring earth excavation/removal are not required with the present configuration. The modular parking system 100 is easily installed as the parking surface 108, horizontal support members 110 are supported by the vertical support members 112 and base plates 114 that distribute the load effectively to the existing underlying mounting surface.
In another embodiment, referring now to
Prior to modular parking system 100 installation a geotechnical study is completed at each site to determine the underlying soil conditions. Once soil conditions are known the size of the column baseplate 114 and anchorage requirements of the levelling system 116 can be determined by structural engineers.
The leveling system 116 may comprise a column jack 118 and a helical anchor 120. The column jack 118 may reside within the vertical support member 112 and is configured to be vertically adjustable in order to level the modular parking structure 104. The column jack 118 may comprise an internal vertical adjustment mechanism 122 and a foot 124, which may be raised or lowered by the vertical adjustment mechanism 122. The vertical adjustment system 122 may be raised or lowered by a hand crank (not shown) which is received in an aperture 123 on the vertical adjustment system 122. The hand crank may be rotated about the aperture 123 to move the vertical support member up 112 and down.
The foot 124 typically may reside on an upper surface of the baseplate 114. The baseplate 114 is coupled to the vertical support member 112 by at least one connector 126. A first end of the connector 126 is coupled to the base plate 114 and a second end of the connector 126 is coupled to the vertical support member 112. While a bolted connection 128 is shown any suitable coupling method may be used.
The helical anchor 120 may be coupled to a lower surface of the baseplate 114 and extends downwardly into the ground. The helical anchor 120 provides seismic stability via compression and wind uplift support via tension when ground conditions are not optimal. Uplift and seismic issues are addressed via the strategic use of helical anchors 120 both in compression and in tension.
In use, the modular parking system 100 features a leveling system 116 at the base of each vertical support member 112. In one embodiment, the levelling system 116 may be capable of 28,000 lbs. lifting capacity. The column jack 118 of the leveling system 116 makes it possible to install the modular parking system 100 over existing parking lots without concern of minor elevation/grade changes since the internal adjustment mechanism 122 of the column jack 118 allows the vertical support members 112 to be raised or lowered. The helical anchor 120 is installed in the mounting surface and the baseplate 114 is coupled to the helical anchor 120. As such, the helical anchor 120 works in conjunction with the ground material to attached to the mounting surface both in tension and compression. The column jack 118, which is coupled to the baseplate 114 by the connector 126 can raise or lower the vertical support member 112. Furthermore, after installation, the modular parking system 100 has a +/−2% camber away from the center of each modular parking structure 104 to facilitate rainwater runoff and loading flexure of the system.
Due to the sophistication of the equipment used in the installation of the leveling system 116 a direct pressure reading is available to insure the required stability and holding capacity of the helical anchors 120 has been achieved in any soil condition. While minor settlement is expected and subsequently addressed by using the leveling jacks on each column significant settlement is not anticipated to occur due to the base plates positioned under each column. Should excessive settlement occur after installation additional helical anchors 120 and column jacks 118 can be provided to address the issue. At the completion of the project the helical anchors 120 may be removed and reused on the next temporary project.
As the modular parking system 100 does not require a foundation in the normal sense there is a possibility of some minor settlement occurring at the site of each vertical support member 112. Accordingly, each modular parking structure 104 may be monitored by a laser system similar to those used during the construction of large buildings.
Transmitters (not shown) may be installed at one end of the structure and receivers (not shown) may be installed at the other end. The transmitters and receivers may be installed in any suitable position. In one embodiment, the transmitter and receiver may be installed adjacent the end plate 111 of the modular parking structure 104. Any movement of any main structural member exceeding 0.50 inch will initiate an auto telecommunications notification system requiring maintenance staff to investigate. If desired, when notification is activated lift gates can be programed to close to prevent additional vehicles from entering the parking area until maintenance staff have responded. The telecommunications notification system may comprise any suitable notification system capable of submitting an alert upon triggering by the laser monitoring system.
Now referring to
In one embodiment, the fire detection system 130 may be configured to detect when a fire has occurred within and/or around the modular parking structure 104. The fire detection system 130 may comprise any suitable system or device configured to detect a fire including smoke detectors, heat sensors, cameras, and/or the like. The fire detection system 130 may be configured to automatically trigger the release of fire suppressant material and/or the fire detection system 130 may be configured to report the presence of the fire to a third party or first responder. The fire detection system 130 may further provide an alert to first responders alerting them of the fire.
Referring now to
The branch piping size of the main conduit 131 and the delivery conduit 134 remain constant throughout and utilize standard fire department standpipe Siamese connections, meaning supply water can be provided from either end of the modular parking structure 104 without restriction. Furthermore the main conduits 131 of adjacent modular parking structures 104 may be connected utilizing a flexible conduit (not shown). For example, the main conduits 131 of adjacent modular parking structures 104 may be connected utilizing a seal tight conduit as is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
In use, when the fire detection system 130 determines that a fire is occurring, the fire detection system 130 may trigger the release of fire suppressant materials to the site of the fire via sprinklers 132. The sprinklers 132 may receive the fire suppressant material via the delivery conduit 134. The fire detection system 130 may be configured to release fire suppressant material at the site of the modular parking structure 104 and/or modular parking system 100. The fire detection system 130 may be configured to interface with a communication system (not shown) electronically coupled to the modular parking structure 104 and/or the modular parking system 100 such that the fire detection system 130 may transmit the notice of fire to the first responder. The modular parking structure 104 and/or modular parking system 100 may comprise its own independent water source or fire suppressant material, or the modular parking structure 104 and/or modular parking system 100 may be coupled to another water source such as that provided by a city.
The entire fire detection system 130 is designed to be reusable and be installed without cutting or threading pipe on site. The fire detection system 130 is capable of quick installation and de-construction when the temporary use of the modular parking structure 104 and/or modular parking system 100 is completed. The fire detection system 130 complies with standard code required parking facility fire protection system requirements and the modular system is 100% reusable on the next temporary assignment.
After each deployment, the fire detection system 130 is drained and the main conduit 132 is capped at both ends to prevent fowling by foreign matter. If a long storage period is expected the main conduit 132 and the delivery conduit 134 can be charged with nitrogen to deter rust from the piping interior.
The water for the fire detection system 130 may be obtained from a fire hydrant feed. The fire detection system 130 may controlled by a compact weather proof assembly containing a water supply shutoff valve, a sprinkler system fire protection valve, alarm line pressure switches, and a valve position supervisory switch. The communication system may comprise an alert to fire agencies. Supervisory alerts may be routed through a UL listed cellular communications panel designed and approved for fire service. Some examples of communication systems for the fire detection system may include a Honeywell Commercial Fire Communication radio, model number iGSMCFP4G or any other suitable communication. Honeywell's iGSMCFP4G Commercial Fire Alarm Communicator is fully compliant with NFPA 72 2013 requirements. The secure, reliable iGSMCFP4G may send messages from a Honeywell VISTA fire alarm control panel (not shown).
In one embodiment, each individual modular parking structure 104 within the modular parking system 100 may comprise an electrical management system 141. The electrical management system 141 may comprise any suitable system or device configured to provide electrical services to and/or for the modular parking structure 104 and/or modular parking system 100. The electrical management system 141 of each modular parking structure 104 may be configured to be detachably coupled to an electrical management system of a second modular parking structure. The electrical management system 141 may be disposed within the modular parking structure 104 at any suitable location.
In one embodiment, shown in
In one embodiment, the electrical management system 142 of a first modular parking structure may be electrically coupled to the electrical management system 142 of a second modular parking structure 104. The electrical management system 142 of the first modular parking structure 104 may be coupled to the electrical management system 142 of a second modular parking structure 104 using any suitable system or device configured to electrically couple two electrical systems together. For example, the electrical conduit 144 of the first modular parking structure 104 may be electrically coupled to the electrical conduit 144 of a second modular parking structure 104.
In one embodiment, each modular parking structure 104 will have pre-installed distribution line 148 and a plurality of junction boxes 150 pre-positioned at the location of the lights under the modular parking structure 104 and at each end thereof. The junction boxes 150 at each end serve to provide connectivity to the modular parking structure 104 and also connectivity to lighting above the structure.
In one embodiment the distribution line 148 may be installed along the length of the modular parking structure 104. Power for the electrical management system 142 typically can be connected to existing lighting system feeds. If additional power is required, connection to a nearby building and/or aerial feed is possible. Connection between the electrical conduit 144 may comprise flexible twist lock connectors and waterproof cable. In one embodiment, the electrical conduit 144 of adjacent modular parking structures 104 may be connected utilizing a flexible conduit (not shown). For example, the electrical conduit 144 of adjacent modular parking structures 104 may be connected utilizing a seal tight conduit as is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
Referring now to
In one embodiment the transmitters and receivers may be installed adjacent the main conduit 132 and/or the electrical conduit 144 the along the width of the end of the modular parking structure 104.
The technology has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes, however, may be made without departing from the scope of the present technology. The description and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than a restrictive one and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present technology. Accordingly, the scope of the technology should be determined by the generic embodiments described and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the specific examples described above. For example, the steps recited in any method or process embodiment may be executed in any order, unless otherwise expressly specified, and are not limited to the explicit order presented in the specific examples. Additionally, the components and/or elements recited in any apparatus embodiment may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations to produce substantially the same result as the present technology and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the specific examples.
Benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments; however, any benefit, advantage, solution to problems or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage or solution to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required or essential features or components.
As used herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials or components used in the practice of the present technology, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.
The present technology has been described above with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiment without departing from the scope of the present technology. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present technology, as expressed in the following claims.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/525,327, filed Jun. 27, 2017 and this application incorporates the disclosure of all such applications by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62525327 | Jun 2017 | US |
