VEHICLE SERVICE FACILITY

Abstract

A vehicle service facility with one or more bays orientated at an angle with respect to the structure and/or adjacent facility roads (e.g., entrance road and exit road) to allow for vehicles to enter into the one or more bays at an angle and/or to exit the one or more bays at an angle. The configuration of the structure and/or one or more bays therein reduces the turning angle for the vehicles entering and exiting the bays, and thus reducing the depth and/or width of the structure allowing for more efficient use of space for the footprint of the structure and/or for the area on which the structure is located (e.g., allowing for additional usage of the area and/or reducing in the size of the area needed for the structure).

Description

FIELD

The present invention relates to vehicle servicing facilities, and more particularly, to facilities with an improved footprint that allows for improved operation and efficiency of the facilities.

BACKGROUND

Conventional vehicle service facilities do not effectively utilize the footprint on which the facility is located. As such, a need exists for improved vehicle service facilities.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The following presents a summary of certain embodiments of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements of all embodiments nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present certain concepts and elements of one or more embodiments in a summary form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle service facility with one or more bays orientated at an angle with respect to the structure and/or adjacent facility roads (e.g., entrance or exit roads, or the like) to allow for vehicles to enter into the one or more bays at an angle and/or to exit the one or more bays at an angle. The configuration of the structure and/or one or more bays therein reduces the turning angle for the vehicles entering and exiting the bays (i.e., stated another way, the vehicles do not have to make 180 degree or 90 degree turns when entering and/or exiting the bays), and thus reduces the depth and/or width of the structure allowing for more efficient use of space for the footprint of the structure. Moreover, the improved configuration of the structure (e.g., vehicle service facility) may allow for the area (e.g., property, parcel, or the like) on which the structure is located to be utilized for additional structures, parking spaces, or the like, and/or may allow for the reduction in the size of the area needed for the structure described herein (e.g., the more efficient the structure the more the property size may be reduced while complying with setback requirements).

One embodiment of the invention is a vehicle service facility. The vehicle service facility comprises a structure with an entrance adjacent an entry road and an exit adjacent an exit road for passage of one or more vehicles. The vehicle service facility further comprises one or more bays within the structure configured to be utilized to service the one or more vehicles. The one or more bays are angled in a non-perpendicular orientation with the entry road and exit road.

In further accord with embodiments, the one or more bays comprise a plurality of bays.

In other embodiments, the plurality of bays are angled in a non-perpendicular orientation with respect to the structure.

In still other embodiments, the plurality of bays comprise one or more pits located at least partially under the plurality of bays.

In yet other embodiments, the plurality of bays are aligned with the one or more pits.

In other embodiments, the plurality of bays are angled with one or more pits.

In further accord with embodiments, the vehicle service facility further comprises a plurality of service doors for the plurality of bays. The plurality of service doors comprise one or more entry service doors and one or more exit service doors.

In other embodiments, the plurality of bays are angled with respect to the one or more entry service doors or the one or more exits service doors.

In still other embodiments, each of the plurality of bays have an entry service door or an exit service door, and wherein each of the plurality of bays is aligned perpendicularly with the exit service door or the entry service door.

In yet other embodiments, each of the plurality of bays have the entry service door and the exit service door, and wherein each of the plurality of bays is aligned perpendicularly with the exit service door and the entry service door.

In other embodiments, the plurality of bays comprise one or more lifts configured to raise or lower a vehicle of the one or more vehicles.

In further accord with embodiments, the one or lifts may be moveable between the plurality of bays.

In other embodiments, the plurality of bays comprise a first bay and a second bay in series, and a third bay and a fourth bay in series. The first bay and the second bay are parallel with the third bay and the fourth bay. The first bay, the second bay, the third bay, and the fourth bay are angled in a non-perpendicular orientation with respect to the structure.

In still other embodiments, the plurality of support columns are offset to allow for the plurality of bays to be angled within the structure.

In yet other embodiments, the entry road defines a first clearance distance between the entry road and a first adjacent boundary, and wherein the exit road defines a second clearance distance between the exit road and a second adjacent boundary.

In other embodiments, as a result of the plurality of bays being angled in the non-perpendicular orientation with respect to the structure, the first clearance is reduced by between 5% and 50%.

In further accordance with embodiments, as a result of the plurality of bays being angled in the non-perpendicular orientation with respect to the structure, the second clearance is reduced by between 5% and 50%.

In other embodiments, the vehicle service facility further comprises a parcel of land defining a land area suitable to support the structure and the first and second clearance distances.

In still other embodiments, as a result of the plurality of bays being angled in the non-perpendicular orientation with respect to the structure, the land area is reduced by between 5% and 50% when compared with a structure having a same number of bays that are in a perpendicular orientation with a traditional structure.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed may be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present invention or may be combined with yet other embodiments, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 provides an example vehicle service facility in a parallel orientation with a main traffic road;

FIG. 2 provides an example vehicle service facility in a perpendicular orientation with a main traffic road;

FIG. 3 provides an example vehicle service facility with angled bays that reduces the footprint of the vehicle service facility, and thus, the size of the site, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 provides an example vehicle service facility site plan with a vehicle service facility having angled bays that allows for additional facilities within the vehicle service facility, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 provides an example vehicle service facility site plan with a vehicle service facility having angled bays that reduces the footprint of the vehicle service facility and/or reduces property size of the site, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 provides an architectural plan view of an example vehicle service facility with angled bays that allows for additional facilities within the vehicle service facility and/or a reduced property size of the site, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate entry and exit clearance requirements for exemplary vehicle service facilities, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “a” and/or “an” shall mean “one or more,” even though the phrase “one or more” is also used herein. Furthermore, when it is said herein that something is “based on” something else, it may be based on one or more other things as well. In other words, unless expressly indicated otherwise, as used herein “based on” means “based at least in part on” or “based at least partially on.” Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the term “vehicle service facility” may include any business, organization, or entity allows for vehicles to enter into a structure and exit the structure at another location. In particular embodiments, the vehicle service facility may be utilized to provide automotive services such as minor services (e.g., oil change, other fluid change, inspections, battery replacement, light replacement, tire replacement, repair, or rotation, suspension alignment, glass repair, or the like) or more detailed services (e.g., brake, engine, suspension, glass replacement, body repair or replacement, or other vehicle component replacement or repair, the like). While the present disclosure may be specifically useful for vehicle services, the facility described herein may be utilized for other purposes such as fast food, product pick-up locations, kiosks, or the like.

Embodiments of the present disclosure, as described herein, relate to a vehicle service facility 10 with one or more bays 100 orientated at an angle with respect to the structure 20 and/or an adjacent facility road 60 (e.g., entrance facility road 62 or exit facility road 64) to allow for vehicles to enter into the one or more bays 10 at an angle and/or to exit the one or more bays 10 at an angle. The configuration of the structure 20 and/or one or more bays 100 therein reduces the turning angle A_T for the vehicles entering and exiting the bays 100, and thus, reduces the depth and/or width of the structure 20 allowing for more efficient use of space for the footprint of the structure 20, as will be described in further detail herein. That is, a vehicle can start its turn earlier along the same turning radius, and because of the angled bay, can successfully enter into the bay (where it otherwise wouldn't be able to enter a straight bay if it started the same turn at the same location). Moreover, the improved configuration of the structure 20 may allow for the area (e.g., property) on which the structure 20 is located to be utilized for additional structures, parking spaces, or the like, and/or may allow for the reduction in the size of the area (e.g., property) needed for the structure 20 described herein.

FIGS. 1 through 7D illustrate embodiments of the present vehicle service facility 10. In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment in which the structure 20 is located parallel with the flow of traffic on a main road 50 from which vehicles may enter and exit from the vehicle service facility 10 through one or more ingress 52 and egress 54 access points. FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in which the structure 20 is located perpendicular with the flow of traffic on a main road 50 from which vehicles may enter and exit from the vehicle service facility 10 through one or more ingress 52 and egress 54 access points. FIGS. 3 through 5 illustrate an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the structure 20 is located perpendicular with the flow of traffic on a main road 50 from which vehicles may enter and exit from the vehicle service facility 10 through one or more ingress 52 and egress 54 access points. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, due at least in part to the configuration of the structure 20, in particular the angled bays 100, the width of the structure 20, and thus the vehicle service facility 10, may be smaller, which provides the improvements discussed herein (e.g., reduced footprint allowing the facility to be installed on a smaller area of land). FIG. 4 also illustrates an embodiment in which the structure 20 is located perpendicular with the flow of traffic on a main road 50 from which vehicles may enter and exit from the vehicle service facility 10 through one or more ingress 52 and egress 54 access points. However, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, due at least in part to the configuration of the structure 20, in particular the angled bays 100, the width of the structure 20 may be smaller, which provides the improvements discussed herein (e.g., reduced footprint allowing the facility to include other structures for the same or different entities, more parking, or the like).

In particular embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 5, the vehicle service facility 10 comprises a structure 20 with a structure entrance 22 and a structure exit 24 for passage of one or more vehicles through one or more bays 100. The one or more bays 100 within the structure 20 may be configured for servicing the one or more vehicles. In particular embodiments, the one or more bays may be angled with respect to the structure 20 and/or with respect to facility roads 60 (e.g., access road 62, exit road 64). The bays, and in particular a centerline of each bay C_B, may be angled at 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or the like degrees (or may range between, overlap, or fall outside of any of these angles) with respect to the structure 20 and/or the facility roads 60. In some embodiments, the centerline of each bay C_B may be angled in a range of 45 to 75 degrees, and in particular 55 to 65 degrees with respect to the structure 20 and/or the facility roads 60.

It should be further understood that the plurality of bays 100 may be single bays 100 that are located in parallel with each other (as illustrated, and in particular, the centerlines of each bay C_B are parallel with one another); however, in some embodiments multiple bays 100 may be located in series and in parallel with each other (not illustrated, but in particular where a centerline C_B of one bay is substantially collinear with a centerline C_B of a bay in which it is in series). As such, in some embodiments the plurality of bays 100 may comprise a first bay and a second bay in series, and a third bay and a fourth bay in series. The first bay and the second bay are parallel with the third bay and the fourth bay, and the first bay, the second bay, the third bay, and the fourth bay are angled with respect to the structure 20 and/or with respect to the facility roads 60.

Turning to FIG. 6, it should be understood that the plurality of bays 100 may comprise one or more pits 66 located at least partially under the plurality of bays 100. That is, the one or more pits may be a single large pit 66 located below the plurality of bays 100 or may be a pit 66 that supports multiple bays 100 or individual bays 100. Each pit 66 may have tools, parts, fluids, and/or other components needed to provide services to the vehicles located at least partially above the pits 66. It should be understood that the plurality of bays 100 may be aligned with the one or more pits 66. That is, the pits 66 may also be angled with respect to the structure 20 and/or facility roads 60, with a centerline C_P of any pit 66 parallel to a centerline of a bay C_B of a plurality of bays 100. Alternatively, or additionally, the plurality of bays 100 are angled with one or more pits 66. For example, when a single pit 66 is used for multiple bays 100 the pit 66 may be big enough that it is not required to have them aligned with the angled bays 100. As such, a centerline C_P of a pit 66 may be angled at 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or the like degrees (or may range between, overlap, or fall outside of any of these angles) with respect to a centerline of a bay C_B of the plurality of angled bays 100, or in other embodiments with respect to the structure 20. As such, the one or more pits 66 may be aligned with the bays 100 or may be aligned with structure 20. Moreover, each pit 66 may include stairs or other means for accessing the pit 66 from the vehicle service facility 10. In some embodiments, the stairs or other means for accessing the pit 66 may be interposed between two bays 100. In some embodiments a single set of stairs may be used to access all of the pits 66 (e.g., connected pits 66) in order to minimize the floor space taken up by the stairs in the bay area above the one or more pits 66.

As each pit 66 may have equipment, tools, parts, fluids, and/or other components needed to provide services to the vehicles located at least partially above the pits 66, it shall be understood that this equipment, tools, parts, fluids, and/or other components may also be aligned with the one or more pits 66. Alternatively, or additionally, equipment, tools, parts, fluids, and/or other components may be angled at 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or the like degrees (or may range between, overlap, or fall outside of any of these angles) with respect to a centerline of a bay C_B of the plurality of angled bays 100. Examples of equipment, tools, parts, fluids, and/or other components that may be utilized in the pits 66 and/or bays 100, include hydraulic lifts or hoists for elevating vehicles, fluid evacuation systems such as oil and coolant drains, air compressors and air compressor lines for pneumatic tools, storage enclosures for tools and supplies such as oil filters and parts, waste oil storage tanks or containers for storing and disposing of used motor oil, grease pits or dispensers for lubricating components, transmission jacks for removing and installing transmissions, brake fluid bleeders for servicing brake systems, exhaust extraction systems to remove harmful fumes and gases, undercarriage inspection lighting, electrical outlets and wiring for powering tools and equipment, wash basins or sinks for cleaning hands and tools, fire extinguishers and safety equipment, wheel alignment racks or systems for aligning vehicle wheels, cranes, lifts, or the like.

The vehicle service facility 10 may further comprise a plurality of service doors (e.g., roller doors, such as high-speed spiral door systems, or the like) for the plurality of bays 100, such as one or more entry service doors and/or one or more exit service doors. It should be understood that the plurality of bays 100 may be angled with respect to the one or more entry service doors or the one or more exits service doors. That is, the service doors may be aligned with the structure 20 and/or facility roads 60. Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more entry service doors and/or the one or more exits service doors may be perpendicular with respect to the angled bays 100 (for example, perpendicular to a bay centerline C_B). That is, the structure 20 may be configured to allow each bay 100 to have its own entry door and exit door that is perpendicular with the bay 100, and thus, angled with respect to a side of the structure 20. In other words, each entry door would be staggered relative an adjacent entry door, and each exit door would be staggered relative an adjacent exit door. In some embodiments, a plurality of bays 100 may share an entry door. For example, two bays 100 may share one entry door. Additionally, or alternatively, a plurality of bays 100 may share an exit door. For example, two bays 100 may share one exit door.

Each of the entry doors may be equipped with an air curtain proximate the entry door. Additionally, or alternatively, each of the exit doors may be equipped with an air curtain proximate the exit door. Embodiments where each bay 100 has its own entry door and exit door (as one non-limiting example, where the bays are staggered relative to one another), each entry door and/or exit door may include an air curtain specific to that entry door and/or exit door. In other embodiments, one air curtain may extend across a plurality of entry doors or exit doors. The air curtain may be utilized to protect the one or more bays 100 from the elements when the service doors are open.

In embodiments where the centerline C_B of a bay is perpendicular to the entry door(s) and/or exit door(s), the positioning of air curtain(s) may be such that the flow of air extends in a direction parallel to the entry door(s) and/or exit door(s). However, in embodiments where the centerline C_B of a bay is angled with respect to the entry door(s) and/or exit door(s), the positioning of air curtain(s) may be such that the flow of air either extends in a direction parallel to the entry door(s) and/or exit door(s), or extends in a direction perpendicular to the centerline C_B of the bay.

In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to the pits 66, the plurality of bays 100 may comprise one or more lifts for raising or lowering a vehicle within a bay 100. The one or more lifts may allow for providing services within the facility and/or may allow for additional head room for anyone operating within the pits 66 below the bays 100. In some embodiments the lifts may be moveable between the plurality of bays 100 (e.g., on wheels, tracks, overhead lift, or the like) with or without a vehicle located on the lift. As such, the a one or more lifts may be aligned with the bay 100 and therefore be angled at 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or the like degrees (or may range between, overlap, or fall outside of any of these angles) with respect to the structure 20 and/or the facility roads 60. Alternatively, the one or more lifts may be angled with respect to the bay 100.

Due to the angled bays 100 (and potentially, the angled pits 66), in some embodiments, the structure 20 may require different structural configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the columns that support the roof, walls, and/or the pits may be offset to allow for the orientations of the bays 100. That is, the columns may not be aligned in rectangular, square, or other grids within the structure 50. As such, in some embodiments, the columns, girders, joists, beams, decking, trusses, or the like may be offset in order to provide the desired structural support as well as the orientation of the angled bays 100.

The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle service facility 10 with one or more bays 100 orientated at an angle with respect to the structure 20 and/or adjacent facility road 60 (e.g., entrance road 62 or exit road 64) to allow for vehicles to enter into the one or more bays 100 at an angle and/or to exit the one or more bays 100 at an angle. The configuration of the structure 20 and/or one or more bays 100 therein reduces the turning angle A_T for the vehicles entering and exiting the bays 100, and thus reduces the depth and/or width of the structure allowing for more efficient use of space for the footprint of the structure 20. Moreover, the improved configuration of the structure may allow for the area on which the structure 20 is located to be utilized for additional structures, parking spaces, or the like, and/or may allow for the reduction in the size of the area needed for the structure 20 described herein. Consequently, the embodiments of the present invention may provide costs savings with respect to the size of the land on which the facility is located, may allow for increased revenue from other structures that may be located on the land due to the reduced footprint, may improve the efficiency of the facility due to the orientation of the bays 100 and/or the flexibility of the pits and/or lifts that may be provided based on the orientation of the bays 100.

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate entry and exit clearance requirements for exemplary vehicle service facilities, in perpendicular orientation with a main traffic road and angled bays, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As described in detail herein, the vehicle service facility 10 may include a structure 20 with a structure entrance 22 and a structure exit 24 for passage of one or more vehicles through one or more bays 100. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 7A and 7C, the centerlines C_B one or more bays may be angled with respect to the structure 20 and/or with respect to facility roads 60 (e.g., access road 62, exit road 64). The bays may be angled such that a centerline of a bay C_B may be at 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or the like degrees (or may range between, overlap, or fall outside of any of these angles) with respect to the structure 20 and/or the facility roads 60.

It shall be appreciated that adequate clearance is required for a paved access road 62 or similar means for entry into a bay. It shall also be appreciated that a predetermined turning radius may accompany a layout of a vehicle service facility 10, and such turning radius provides that vehicles of various sizes can enter a bay by steering and thus require minimal corrective steering actions. The turning radius, R_T, may be provided or determined based on design criteria for the types of vehicles anticipated. The turning radius may also be dictated by municipal code and/or other regulatory provisions to accommodate various types of vehicles. For example, if a vehicle service facility is configured for large trucks, a larger turning radius R_T may be selected to prevent such large trucks from needing to perform multiple-point turns to enter a bay. Alternatively, if a vehicle service facility is configured for smaller cars, a smaller turning radius R_T may be selected. Additionally, or alternatively, the turning radius, R_T, may be a dependent design variable that is adjusted (e.g., increased or decreased) during layout of the vehicle service facility based on a known entry and/or exit clearance distance, and a known angle of the bay(s).

Comparing FIG. 7A, which illustrates an angled bay (e.g., a 60-degree bay), to FIG. 7B, which illustrates a perpendicular bay (e.g., a 90-degree bay), the clearance distance required to accommodate access road 62 is significantly reduced as a result of the bays being angled, while maintaining the same turning radius R_T between both of the layouts in FIGS. 7A and 7B. As one non-limiting example, the clearance required for access road 62 in FIG. 7A at a bay centerline C_B angle of 60 degrees may be approximately 30 feet with a turning radius of RT. In contrast, the clearance required for access road 62 in FIG. 7B at a bay centerline C_B angle of 90 degrees (i.e., perpendicular) may be approximately 42 feet with the same turning radius of R_T.

As shown, the same turning radius R_T is present in both of the layouts in FIGS. 7A and 7B. However, as a result of the angling of the bay centerline C_B 60 degrees, the turning angle A_T of approximately 150 degrees in FIG. 7A is much smaller than the turning angle A_T of approximately 180 degrees of FIG. 7B, where the bay centerline C_B is 90 degrees.

By angling the bay centerline C_B to 60-degrees as shown in FIG. 7A, the clearance distance required to accommodate access road 62 is thus reduced by approximately 29%. Similarly, by angling the bay centerline C_B to 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or the like degrees (or an angle between, overlapping, or falling outside of any of these angles), the clearance distance required to accommodate access road 62 may be reduced by approximately 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 65%, 70%, or the like (or an amount between, overlapping, or falling outside of any of these reduction percentages).

Similarly, when comparing FIG. 7C, which illustrates an angled bay (e.g., a 60-degree bay), to FIG. 7D, which illustrates a perpendicular bay (e.g., a 90-degree bay), the clearance distance required to accommodate exit road 64 is significantly reduced as a result of the bays being angled, while maintaining the same turning radius R_T between both of the layouts in FIGS. 7C and 7D. As one non-limiting example, the clearance required for exit road 64 in FIG. 7C at a bay centerline C_B angle of 60 degrees may be approximately 17.5 feet with a turning radius of R_T. In contrast, the clearance required for exit road 64 in FIG. 7D at a bay centerline C_B angle of 90 degrees (i.e., perpendicular) may be approximately 24.5 feet with the same turning radius of R_T.

As shown, the same turning radius R_T is present in both of the layouts in FIGS. 7C and 7D. However, as a result of the angling of the bay centerline C_B 60 degrees, the turning angle A_T of approximately 60 degrees in FIG. 7C is much smaller than the turning angle A_T of approximately 90 degrees of FIG. 7D, where the bay centerline C_B is 90 degrees.

By angling the bay centerline C_B to 60-degrees as shown in FIG. 7C, the clearance distance required to accommodate exit road 64 is thus reduced by approximately 29%. Similarly, by angling the bay centerline C_B to 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or the like degrees (or an angle between, overlapping, or falling outside of any of these angles), the clearance distance required to accommodate exit road 64 may be reduced by approximately 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 65%, 70%, or the like (or an amount between, overlapping, or falling outside of any of these reduction percentages). Advantageously, such reduction in clearance distances may be achieved without reducing the footprint of the structure 20, the number of bays for servicing vehicles, and/or the services provided by the structure (e.g., the structure can still accommodate the same or similar equipment).

Reduction to clearance distances required to accommodate access road 62 and/or exit road 64, as well as the reduction in turning angle A_T, may occur as a result of angling the bay centerline C_B. Alternatively, or additionally, reducing the turning radius R_T of the layout results in further reduction in clearance distances.

As a result of the reduction to clearance distances required for access road 62 and/or exit road 64 described in the foregoing, requirements for the size of the land required to accommodate the vehicle service facility 10 may be similarly reduced without reducing the size of the structure 20, the number of bays for servicing vehicles, and/or the services provided. Stated differently, a vehicle service facility 10 with angled bay centerline C_B, allows for the servicing of the same number of vehicles as a vehicle service facility 10 with a perpendicular bay centerline C_B, (e.g., at 90 degrees or 180 degrees relative the adjacent facility road 60), but allows for a smaller overall property footprint. In doing so, costs to owners/tenants of the vehicle service facility 10 are substantially reduced.

As one non-limiting example, the vehicle service facility 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes four bays with a bay centerline C_B perpendicular to the adjacent facility road 60 and requires a horizontal measurement of land of 141.5 feet. In contrast, the vehicle service facility 10 of FIG. 3 includes four bays with a bay centerline C_B angled at 60-degrees relative the adjacent facility road 60 and only requires a horizontal measurement of land of 105.7 feet—a decrease in the horizontal measurement of approximately 25%. By angling the bay centerline C_B to 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or the like degrees (or an angle between, overlapping, or falling outside of any of these angles), the horizontal measurement, and thus the overall area of land (e.g., the number of acres, square footage, etc.) may be reduced by approximately 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 65%, 70%, or the like (or an amount between, overlapping, or falling outside of any of these reduction percentages).

Additionally, or alternatively, other orientations (not illustrated) of the structure 20 relative the adjacent facility road (or relative the main road 50 or the metes and bounds of a given plot of land), may also allow for reduction to vertical measurements of land. By angling the bay centerline C_B to 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or the like degrees (or an angle between, overlapping, or falling outside of any of these angles), the vertical measurement, and thus the overall area of land (e.g., the number of acres, square footage, etc.) may be reduced by approximately 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 65%, 70%, or the like (or an amount between, overlapping, or falling outside of any of these reduction percentages). Various combinations of reduction to both the horizontal and vertical measurements of land are contemplated as a result of alternative orientations of the structure 20.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of, and not restrictive on, the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other changes, combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition to those set forth in the above paragraphs, are possible. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just described embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

Claims

1. A vehicle service facility comprising: a structure with an entrance adjacent an entry road and an exit adjacent an exit road for passage of one or more vehicles; andone or more bays within the structure configured to be utilized to service the one or more vehicles;wherein the one or more bays are angled in a non-perpendicular orientation with the entry road and exit road.

2. The vehicle service facility of claim 1, wherein the one or more bays comprise a plurality of bays.

3. The vehicle service facility of claim 2, wherein the plurality of bays are angled in a non-perpendicular orientation with respect to the structure.

4. The vehicle service facility of claim 2, wherein the plurality of bays comprise one or more pits located at least partially under the plurality of bays.

5. The vehicle service facility of claim 4, wherein the plurality of bays are aligned with the one or more pits.

6. The vehicle service facility of claim 4, wherein the plurality of bays are angled with one or more pits.

7. The vehicle service facility of claim 2, further comprising: a plurality of service doors for the plurality of bays, comprising: one or more entry service doors; andone or more exit service doors.

8. The vehicle service facility of claim 7, wherein the plurality of bays are angled with respect to the one or more entry service doors or the one or more exits service doors.

9. The vehicle service facility of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of bays have an entry service door or an exit service door, and wherein each of the plurality of bays is aligned perpendicularly with the exit service door or the entry service door.

10. The vehicle service facility of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of bays have the entry service door and the exit service door, and wherein each of the plurality of bays is aligned perpendicularly with the exit service door and the entry service door.

11. The vehicle service facility of claim 2, wherein the plurality of bays comprise one or more lifts configured to raise or lower a vehicle of the one or more vehicles.

12. The vehicle service facility of claim 11, wherein the one or lifts may be moveable between the plurality of bays.

13. The vehicle service facility of claim 2, wherein the plurality of bays comprise: a first bay and a second bay in series; anda third bay and a fourth bay in series;wherein the first bay and the second bay are parallel with the third bay and the fourth bay; andwherein the first bay, the second bay, the third bay, and the fourth bay are angled in a non-perpendicular orientation with respect to the structure.

14. The vehicle service facility of claim 3, wherein the plurality of support columns are offset to allow for the plurality of bays to be angled within the structure.

15. The vehicle service facility of claim 3, wherein the entry road defines a first clearance distance between the entry road and a first adjacent boundary, and wherein the exit road defines a second clearance distance between the exit road and a second adjacent boundary.

16. The vehicle service facility of claim 15, wherein as a result of the plurality of bays being angled in the non-perpendicular orientation with respect to the structure, the first clearance is reduced by between 5% and 50%.

17. The vehicle service facility of claim 15, wherein as a result of the plurality of bays being angled in the non-perpendicular orientation with respect to the structure, the second clearance is reduced by between 5% and 50%.

18. The vehicle service facility of claim 15, further comprising: a parcel of land defining a land area suitable to support the structure and the first and second clearance distances.

19. The vehicle service facility of claim 18, wherein as a result of the plurality of bays being angled in the non-perpendicular orientation with respect to the structure, the land area is reduced by between 5% and 50% when compared with a structure having a same number of bays that are in a perpendicular orientation with a traditional structure.