Abstract:
A pit for containing a vehicle lifting apparatus is constructed from a plurality of precast concrete pieces and assembled in a trench. Conduit, plumbing, heating elements, and the like are cast into the pieces to facilitate safe construction/assembly of the pit. A lift apparatus is assembled or positioned in and at least partly attached to the pit. One or more mounting features are cast into and/or attached to the pit wall to help fix the lifting apparatus relative to the pit and/or to help fix the pit relative to a surrounding building.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to and is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/199,740, filed Jul. 31, 2015, with title “Precast Concrete Pit,” and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/225,027, filed Aug. 1, 2016, with title “Precast Concrete Pit.” 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    A vehicle lift is a device operable to lift a vehicle such as a car, truck, bus, etc. Some vehicle lifts operate by positioning two runways at or near a shop floor level. The vehicle may be then driven or rolled onto the runways, allowing the runways to support the vehicle. The underside of each runway may be attached to a plurality of powered or manually actuated lifting assemblies. The lifting assemblies may be actuated to raise the runways and the vehicle to a desired height. Afterward, the vehicle may then be lowered once the user has completed his or her task requiring the vehicle lift. In some cases, the lifting assemblies may comprise a single elongated member which may rotate relative to the floor to pivot the runways upwardly. Because of the rotational motion of the lifting assemblies, some horizontal motion of the runways may be encountered. In other cases, the lifting assemblies may comprise a plurality of linkages which pivot relative to one another to cause the runways to rise upwardly, similar to a pair of scissors. 
         [0003]    Examples of vehicle lift devices and related concepts are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,983,196, entitled “Electronically Controlled Vehicle Lift and Vehicle Services System,” issued Jan. 3, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 6,763,916, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Synchronizing a Vehicle Lift,” issued Jul. 20, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,430, entitled “Jack with Elevatable Platform,” issued Aug. 5, 2003, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,554, entitled “Portable Lift and Straightening Platform,” issued Nov. 26, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,676, entitled “Portable Lift and Straightening Platform,” issued Aug. 7, 2001, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,263, entitled “Automotive Alignment Lift,” issued May 9, 2000, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,686, entitled “Non-Continuous Base Ground Level Automotive Lift System,” issued Apr. 6, 1993, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 5,190,122, entitled “Safety Interlock System,” issued Mar. 2, 1993, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,159, entitled “Automotive Lift System,” issued Mar. 17, 1992, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; and U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0048653, entitled “Multi-Link Automotive Alignment Lift,” published Mar. 1, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0004]    Vehicle lifts require substantial structural and/or mechanical support for the lift device itself and the weight of the vehicle being lifted. Some lift systems have that support above ground, while others have it below ground. With in-ground systems, a pit is typically constructed to contain the support. 
         [0005]    In some in-ground systems, the lift support frame assemblies are attached to freshly poured concrete pit wall sections that can take multiple concrete pours to construct. Some require extensive framing for the concrete walls, and they may involve assembling block walls and filling voids with concrete. With all of these methods, the ground in which the pit is constructed is typically dug out substantially wider than the concrete structure so that personnel can safely position themselves in the trench to build the structure. The extra space must then be backfilled, and both the additional removal of earth and the backfilling process can weaken the area around the pit. 
         [0006]    While a variety of concrete pits have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventor(s) has made or used an invention as described herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    It is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements and in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective, exploded view of a first modular lift pit structure that may house a vehicle lift assembly; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a perspective, exploded view of a second modular lift pit structure that may house a vehicle lift assembly; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3A  is a front elevational view of a trench sized to house the second modular lift pit structure of  FIG. 2 , wherein the bottom of the trench is filled with pea gravel; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3B  is a front elevational view of the trench of  FIG. 3A , with a layer of “lean” concrete poured on-top of the pea gravel; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3C  is a front elevation view of the trench of  FIG. 3A , with a precast base of the second modular lift pit structure of  FIG. 2  placed on-top of the “lean” concrete; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3D  is a front elevation view of the trench of  FIG. 3A , with a precast wall piece of the second modular lift pit structure of  FIG. 2  placed on-top of the precast base of the second modular lift pit structure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3E  is a front elevation view of the trench of  FIG. 3A , with an upper precast wall of the second modular lift pit structure of  FIG. 2  placed on-top of the precast wall piece of the second modular lift pit structure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3F  is a front elevation view of the trench of  FIG. 3A , with a mechanical assembly of the second modular lift pit structure of  FIG. 2  placed on-top of the upper precast wall of the second modular lift pit structure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3E  is a front elevation view of the trench of  FIG. 3A  housing the assembled second modular lift pit structure of  FIG. 2 , wherein the trench is backfilled with crushed stone; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a third modular lift pit structure, a hydraulic pump assembly, and an electronic control assembly; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a precast base of the third modular lift pit structure of  FIG. 4 , taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the third modular lift pit structure of  FIG. 4 , taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7A  is a side elevation view of the third modular lift pit structure of  FIG. 4  housing a vehicle lift assembly, wherein the vehicle lift assembly is in a lowered position; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7B  is a side elevation view of the third modular lift pit structure of  FIG. 4  housing the vehicle lift assembly of  FIG. 7A , wherein the vehicle lift assembly is in a raised position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a fourth modular lift pit structure. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a horizontal section view of the fourth modular lift pit structure. 
       
    
    
       [0024]    The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings, incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrates several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serves to explain the principles of the invention; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    The following description of certain examples of the invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects and implementations, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawing and description should be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive in nature. 
         [0026]    In the illustrated embodiments, an in-ground jack frame assembly is placed atop precast cured concrete pit sections. The benefits of this approach include that there is no need to put a person in the trench, so the required excavation, slab cutting, benching, etc. is substantially reduced, yielding a great deal of cost and time savings. Various implementations of the system and methods described herein reduce construction waste, minimize site disturbance by the installation, and are better adapted for LEED buildings. 
         [0027]      FIGS. 1-2  show two sample implementations of the precast concrete pit of the present disclosure. Considering pit structure  100 , a site is prepared by excavating ground sufficient to contain the pit or vault needed for the lift base and support structures. Precast slab  110 , which will form the base of pit structure  100 , has a top surface that slopes toward the center, where in some embodiments a small sump pit is cut out and/or a knock-out is created for one or more floor drains, such as those produced by ZURN Industries, LLC (of Erie, Pa.) or BLUCHER Metal A/S (of Vildbj erg, Denmark). A groove  120  around the outer edges of slab  110  facilitates self-centering and sealing of the walls  130  with the slab  110  along those corners. 
         [0028]    Precast wall piece  130  is a box with an open top  132  and open bottom  134 . The top and bottom edges of wall piece  130  have complementary components with the edges of precast slab  110  and the wall piece  130 ′ that will sit on top of it to form suitable interfaces, preferably waterproof, tongue-and-groove connections. The height of each wall piece  130 ,  130 ′, and upper precast wall piece  140  is selected so that the top of upper precast wall piece  140  reaches floor level, which might be any height above precast slab  110  and might be reached by combination of any number of (one or more) precast wall pieces  130 ,  130 ′,  140 . In this illustrated embodiment, upper precast wall piece  140  has top edge  142  that is preferably adapted to interface with jack frame  150  as will occur to those skilled in the art. 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  shows alternative pit structure  200 . Alternative pit structure  200  is built on precast base  210  with connection features (such as grooves)  220  on our around its top surface. As will be described in greater detail below, precast wall piece  230  has mating features  234  along its bottom edge to facilitate connection with precast base  210 , and further has features  232  along its top edge to facilitate connection with upper precast wall piece  240 . Similar to precast wall piece  230 , upper precast wall piece  240  also has mating features  244  along its bottom edge to facilitate connection with features  232  of precast wall piece  230 . Additionally, upper precast wall piece  240  has top edge  242  to connect with one or more components of the lift system and/or the floor of the surrounding building, represented in the figure by mechanical assembly  250 . 
         [0030]      FIGS. 3A-3E  show an exemplary process of installing pit structure  200  within ground G. It should be understood that pit structure  100  or other pit structures described herein may be installed in similar manner as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. As shown in  FIG. 3A , when pit structure  200  is installed, the site is prepared by excavating a trench T sufficient to contain the pit structure  200  with a modest margin to allow for placement. In some embodiments, trench T will be approximately 4 feet wide and 34 feet long. Of course, soil content, ground conditions, water table, and other factors may require different excavation techniques, sizes, and processes as will occur to those skilled in the art in view of this disclosure. The base of trench T is preferably tamped, such as with the bucket of the excavator, so that the base is adequately compacted. 
         [0031]    As also shown in  FIG. 3A , a layer of pea gravel P, such as a  8 - 12 ″ layer, is spread at the bottom of trench T. Next, as shown in  FIG. 3B , a self-leveling “lean” concrete L is poured to create a level surface on which to place precast slab  210 . As shown in  FIG. 3C , when the lean concrete L is sufficiently cured, precast slab  210  is lifted and placed into position by crane, hoist, or other means as will occur to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. With precast slab  210  in place, precast wall piece  230  is then lifted and placed into position similar to that of precast slab  210 . When placing precast wall piece  230  into position, mating feature  234  of precast wall piece and complementary mating feature  220  of precast slab  210  are laterally and longitudinally aligned such that mating features  220 ,  234  couple with each other. 
         [0032]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 3E , upper precast wall  240  is lifted and placed into position similar to precast slab  210  and precast wall piece  230 . Therefore, precast wall piece  230  and upper precast wall  240  couple with each other via complementary mating features  244 ,  232 . It should be understood that any suitable number of precast wall pieces  230  may be used in between precast slab  210  and upper precast wall  240  to reach a desired height of pit structure  200 . Alternatively, precast wall pieces  230  may be entirely omitted if upper precast wall  240  and precast slab provide a sufficient height for pit structure  200 . 
         [0033]    With upper precast wall  240  set in place,  FIG. 3F  shows mechanical assembly  250  fixed to top edge  242  of upper precast wall  240 . Mechanical assembly  250  may be fixed to top edge  242  of upper precast wall  240  with any suitable coupling means known to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, a plurality of bolts may couple mechanical assembly  250  with top edge  242 . With pit structure  200  assembled, a layer of insulation I (such as a two-inch layer of STYROFOAM) may be added to the exterior of pit structure  200  and crushed stone C or other material may be placed between the walls and the surrounding earth to backfill the slack space. Rebar may be added to surround the exterior of top edge  242 , a slab floor of the surrounding structure is then formed and placed, and the lift is installed. 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, one or more wall pieces  230 ,  240  are plumbed internally to allow for routing of electronic, hydraulic, water, or other service connections as desired. 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  shows another exemplary pit structure  300  that may be used in place of pit structures  100 ,  200  described above. Pit structure  300  includes a precast base  310 , a precast wall piece  330 , an upper precast wall  340 , and a mechanical assembly  350 ; which are substantially similar to precast base  210 , precast wall piece  230 , upper precast wall  340 , and mechanical assembly  250  described above, respectively, with differences described below. Therefore, precast pit  300  may be installed in substantially the same manner as precast pit  200  described above. 
         [0036]    Precast base  310  includes a mating feature  320  substantially similar to mating feature  220  described above. Additionally, precast wall piece  330  includes a complementary mating feature  332  substantially similar to mating feature  232  described above. Mating feature  332  is located on a bottom portion of precast wall piece  330 . Mating feature  332  is configured to couple with mating feature  320  of precast base  310  such that precast wall piece  330  may couple with precast base  310  when wall piece  330  is properly placed above base  310 . 
         [0037]    Precast wall piece  330  also includes a mating feature  334  substantially similar to mating feature  234  described above. Mating feature  334  is located on a top portion of precast wall  330 . Upper precast wall  340  includes a complementary mating feature  344  substantially similar to mating feature  244  described above. Mating feature  344  is located on a bottom portion of upper precast wall  340 . Mating feature  344  is configured to couple with mating feature  334  of precast wall piece  330  such that upper precast wall  340  may couple with precast wall piece  330  when upper precast wall  340  is properly placed above precast wall piece  330 . 
         [0038]    In the current example, mating features  320 ,  332 ,  334 ,  344  are formed with complementary tongue-and-groove relationships as described above. However, any suitable complementary mating features may be used as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, mating features  320 ,  332 ,  334 ,  344  may have a complementary sawtooth geometry, or a complementary dovetail geometry. 
         [0039]    Upper precast wall  340  includes a top edge  342  substantially similar to top edge  342  described above. Therefore, mechanical assembly  350  (see  FIG. 6 ) may couple with top edge  342  of upper precast wall  340  by any suitable means known to a person having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, mechanical assembly  350  may couple with top edge  342  via a plurality of bolts. 
         [0040]    As best seen in  FIG. 6 , hollow interior  302  is defined by interior wall  346  of upper precast wall  340 , interior wall  336  of precast wall piece  330 , and a top surface  312  of precast base  310 . As will be described below, hollow interior  302  is dimensioned to house vehicle actuation assembly  700 . 
         [0041]    Upper precast wall  340 , precast wall piece  330 , and precast base  310  may each include a precast coating  304  (see  FIG. 4 ) coated onto the surface of each wall  340 ,  330  and base  310 . Precast coating  304  may include a coating designed for specific functions such as water proofing, chemical resistance, electrolysis resistance, any other suitable functions that would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art, or any combination of functions described above. Suitable precast coatings  304  include the XYPEX ADMIX C-series (available from XYPEX of Richmond, British Columbia, Canada), TNEME-LINER Series 61 cycloaliphatic amine epoxy (available from Tnemec Co., Inc. of Kansas City, Mo.), ConSeal series sealants and membranes (available from Concrete Sealants, Inc. of Tipp City, Ohio), and combinations thereof. 
         [0042]    Upper precast wall  340 , precast wall piece  330 , and precast base  310  each include lifting features  360  unitarily formed in or attached to a respective surface. Lifting features  360  may be precast into the structures of upper precast wall  340 , precast wall piece  330 , and precast base  310 . Alternatively, lifting features  360  may be unitarily coupled after the precast structures are formed. Lifting features  360  are sufficiently connected to upper precast wall  340 , precast wall piece  330 , and precast base  310  such that a hoist or crane may couple with lifting features  360  and lift the weight of respective base  310  or walls  330 ,  340 . Therefore, the addition of lifting features  360  may provide an easy method of coupling base  310  or walls  340  with a hoist or crane for placement of base  310  and walls  340  into proper position within trench T. Lifting features  360  may in turn make proper placement of base  310  and walls  340  easier to accomplish. In the current example, lifting features  360  are made of lifting hooks (such as A-anchors available from Concrete Accessories of GA, Inc. of Duluth, Ga.) anchored into base  310  and walls  330 ,  340 . However, brackets defining slots, cutouts for removable placement of support beams or straps, or any other suitable structure may be used as lifting features  360  as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. In the current example, lifting features  360  are located on an exterior of base  310  and walls  330 ,  340 . However, lifting features  360  may be placed in any suitable location for coupling with a hoist or crane as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, lifting features  360  may be located on interior walls  346 ,  336  of walls  340 ,  330 . 
         [0043]    As best seen in  FIG. 5 , precast base  310  may include an optional heating assembly  321 . Heating assembly  321  may be configured to provide a heat source within pit structure  300  such that pit structure  300  may properly operate in colder climates. In the current example, heating assembly  321  is associated with precast base  310 . However, it should be understood that heating assembly  321  may be additionally or alternatively installed in precast wall piece  330  or upper precast wall  340 . Heating assembly  321  includes a heat distribution element  316  precast within the body of precast base  310 . In the current example, heat distribution element  316  is a PEX tubing that passes through precast base  310  in a snake-like formation. However, any suitable heat distribution element  316  and geometry may be used as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, heat distribution element  316  may be electrical resistive wiring. Additionally, heat distribution element  316  may have a zig zag geometry. Heating assembly  321  also includes a junction box  324  that is also precast within the body of precast base  310 . Junction box  324  includes an access opening  322  located on an exterior surface of precast base  310 . Ends of heat distribution element  316  terminate within junction box  324 . Therefore, during installation of pit structure  300 , ends of heat distribution element  316  may be connected to a heat source external to pit structure  300 . Alternatively, junction box  324  may be located such that access opening  322  may be located within hollow interior  302  or internal plumbing lines  370 . Therefore, heat distribution element  316  may be connected to a heat source located within pit structure  300  or external to pit structure  300 . 
         [0044]    As best seen in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , upper precast wall  340  and precast wall piece  330  include a plurality of mounting members  366 , while top surface  312  of precast base  310  includes another mounting structure  364 . In the current example, mounting structures  366  include threaded inserts (such as zinc alloy or plastic threaded inserts available from A. L. Patterson, Inc. of Fairless Hills, Pa.) precast within walls  330 ,  340 . However, any other suitable mounting structure  366  may be utilized as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art, such as brackets. Additionally, mounting structures  366  may also be unitarily coupled with walls  330 ,  340  after structures are cast. 
         [0045]    As best seen in  FIG. 4 , upper precast wall  340  includes a plurality of mounting members  366  located around an exterior perimeter of upper precast wall  340  adjacent to top edge  342 . These mounting members  366  may be coupled with rebar after upper precast wall  340  is coupled with precast wall piece  330 . Rebar may mate with a freshly poured slab floor such that the slab floor solidifies around the rebar. Therefore, mounting members  366  may help further enhance the structural integrity of pit structure  300  by coupling with rebar. 
         [0046]    As best seen in  FIG. 6 , interior walls  346 ,  336  of upper precast wall  340  and precast wall piece  330  also include a plurality of mounting members  366 . Mounting members  366  located within interior walls  346 ,  336  may be used to couple various components of vehicle lift assembly  700  with pit structure  300  once vehicle lift assembly  700  is installed. Mounting member  364  may also be used to couple various components of vehicle lift assembly  700  with pit structure  300  once vehicle lift assembly  700  is installed. Mounting member  364  may be substantially similar to mounting members  366  described above. While in the current example, there is only one mounting member  364  associated with precast base  310 , any suitable number of mounting members  364  may be associated with precast base  310  as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0047]      FIG. 6  shows a precast base  310  defining a drain cutout  314 . Top surface  312  of precast base  310  may be sloped toward drain cutout  314  such that any accumulated fluids within pit structure  300  drains toward drain cutout  314 . Drain cutout  314  also houses a drain box  315 , which leads to an external portion of precast base  310 . Drain box  315  may be in fluid communication with external fluid management devices within trench T designed to lead excess fluid away from trench T and pit structure  300 . 
         [0048]    As also shown in  FIG. 6 , pit structure  300  includes a seismic sensor  318  encased within base  310 . In various embodiments, seismic sensor  318  may be of a fiber-optic variety, the electronic varieties produced by Resensys (of College Park, Maryland; e.g., Senspot, Senimax or Senscope), or of another type as will occur to those skilled in the art. Seismic sensor  318  may be configured to detect seismic shifts occurring nearby in order to properly warn an operator that the structural integrity of pit structure  300  may be compromised. Seismic sensor  318  may be battery powered or powered through electrical wiring  306 . Additionally, seismic sensor  318  may be in communication with any suitable device required to warn an operator of potential seismic shifts, such as a control panel or a speaker/lights located near pit structure  300 . In the current example, seismic sensor  318  is located directly on/within precast base  310 . However, seismic sensor  318  may be located at any other suitable location within or adjacent to pit structure  300  as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art. For example, seismic sensor  318  may be located within walls  330 ,  340 , within junction box  322 , within a separate junction box fixed to base  310  or walls  330 ,  340 , or within trench T. 
         [0049]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , upper precast wall  340 , precast wall piece  330 , and precast base  310  define two internal plumbing lines extending from top edge  342  of upper precast wall  340  all the way to precast base  310 . Internal plumbing lines  370  may provide safe access for electrical wiring or fluid communication between an exterior of pit structure  300  and a hollow interior  302  of pit structure  300 . In this illustrated embodiment, each internal plumbing line  370  is defined within upper precast wall  340 , precast wall piece  330 , and precast base  310  such that each internal plumbing line  370  is continuous when concrete pit  300  is correctly assembled. 
         [0050]    While two internal plumbing lines  370  are used in the current example, any suitable number of internal plumbing lines  370  may be incorporated into pit structure  300  as will be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Additionally, in the current example, internal plumbing lines  370  extend all the way from top edge  342  to precast base  310 , but this is merely optional. Internal plumbing lines  370  may extend any suitable length from at or near top edge  342  as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, internal plumbing lines  370  may terminate within upper precast wall  340  of precast wall piece  330 . Internal plumbing lines  370  may be lined with an electrical chase member  372  to help further insulate electrical wiring. 
         [0051]    As best seen in  FIG. 4 , internal plumbing lines  370  may receive electrical wiring  306 , hydraulic lines  402 , and an air line  602 . In the current example, a control system  500  is connected to electrical wiring  306  extending into internal plumbing line  370  housing an electrical chase member  372 . As will be described in greater detail below, electrical wiring  306  extending into internal plumbing line  370  may connect with selected components of a vehicle lift system  700  for electrical communication with various aspects of vehicle lift system  700 . Control system  500  is also in electrical communication with hydraulic pump assembly  400  and air compressor assembly  600  via electrical wires  306 . Control system  500  may include various suitable user input components allowing a user to selectively activate hydraulic pump assembly  400  and air compressor assembly  600 . 
         [0052]    Hydraulic pump assembly  400  is connected to a hydraulic line  402  which extends into internal plumbing line  370 . As will be described in greater detail below, hydraulic line  402  may connect hydraulic pump assembly  400  with various components of vehicle lift system  700  in order to actuate vehicle lift system  700  within pit structure  300 . Hydraulic pump assembly  400  may be activated and deactivated by commands sent from control system  500  via electrical wiring  306 . Hydraulic pump assembly  400  may include any number of suitable components required to actuate a vehicle lift system  700  as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0053]    Air compressor assembly  600  is connected to an air line  602 , which also extends into internal plumbing line  370 . Air line  602  may connect to various components of vehicle lift assembly  700  in order to selectively activate and deactivate any suitable type of safety locking mechanism of vehicle lift assembly  700 . Air compressor assembly  600  may be activated and deactivated by commands sent from control system  500  via electrical wiring  306 . 
         [0054]      FIGS. 7A-7B  show a vehicle lift assembly  700  installed within pit structure  300 . Vehicle lift assembly  700  includes a hydraulic cylinder  702 , a rod  704  slidably housed within hydraulic cylinder  702 , a vehicle engagement member  706  attached to a portion of rod  704  located furthest from hydraulic cylinder  702 , and a low voltage electrical box  790 . In the current example, hydraulic cylinder  702  and low voltage electrical box  790  are fixed to pit structure  300  via mounting members  366 ,  364 . Hydraulic cylinder  702  and low voltage electrical box  790  are fixed to mounting member  366 ,  364  via any suitable fixing apparatus, such as threaded bolts. In the current example, hydraulic cylinder  702  is stationary relative to the rest of pit structure  300 . However, it is envisioned that hydraulic cylinder  702  may be attached to pit structure  300  via mechanical assembly  350  such that hydraulic cylinder  702  may translate along the length of pit structure  300  as described, for example, in US Published Application No. 2014/0264203, entitled “Handheld Control Unit for Automotive Lift,” published Sep. 18, 2014, which is incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0055]    Low-voltage electrical box  790  is connected to electrical wiring  306  extending within electrical chase member  372  and internal plumbing line  370 . While not directly shown in  FIGS. 7A-7B , it should be understood that electrical wiring  306  extending within electrical chase member  372  and internal plumbing line  370  is also connected to control system  500 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Low voltage electrical box  790  is also in electrical communication with various other components of vehicle lift assembly  700  via electrical wiring  306 , such as various sensors or any other suitable components as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Therefore, low voltage electrical box  790  may communicate data to control system  500 , such as rod height. Control system  500  may further display this information or use such information to automatically activate hydraulic pump assembly  400  or air compressor assembly  600 . 
         [0056]    Hydraulic cylinder  702  is connected with two hydraulic lines  402  on opposite ends of cylinder  702 . Hydraulic lines  402  run through internal plumbing line  370 . It should be understood that hydraulic lines  402  are also connected to hydraulic pump assembly  400 . Therefore, an operator may activate hydraulic pump assembly  400  via control system  500  in order to pump hydraulic fluid within hydraulic cylinder  702 , thereby raising or lowering rod  704  and vehicle engagement member  706  relative to pit structure  300  and hydraulic cylinder  702  (as shown between  FIGS. 7A-7B ). 
         [0057]    Vehicle lift system  700  is also connected to an air line  602 . Air line  602  runs through internal plumbing line  370 . It should be understood that air line  602  is also connected to air compressor assembly  600 . Therefore, control system  500  may activate air compressor assembly  600  to send compressed air to vehicle lift system  700  via air line  602 . This may selectively activate/deactivate any mechanical locking mechanism designed to prevent inadvertent lowering of rod  704  relative to hydraulic cylinder  702 , or it may achieve other goals as will occur to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Any suitable locking system may be used as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0058]      FIG. 8  shows yet another exemplary pit structure  800 , which incorporates an integrated base and wall module  805 , which comprises base portion  810  and wall portion  830  as a single, precast unit. In some embodiments, this integrated module  805  is slightly more challenging to place in a trench T, but saves the design and implementation challenges of fitting a bottom wall segment to a base segment and avoids potential leaks in the seam between the two. Connection features  820  in some implementations facilitate mating of the top of integrated module  805  with the bottom of upper wall pieces, such as upper precast wall piece  240  (see  FIG. 2 ). In other implementations, no additional wall pieces  240  are needed, and optional connection features  820  facilitate integration with the top of the trench T and surrounding structures, such as the floor of a building. Lifting features  860  are integrated and used like lifting features  360  described above in relation to  FIGS. 4 and 6 . The other structures, channels, and attachment features discussed above in relation to  FIGS. 1-7B  may also be used in and with pit structure  800  as will occur to those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure. 
         [0059]      FIG. 9  shows a cutaway view of exemplary pit structure  800 . Base portion  810  supports the rest of structure  800  and is integrated as a single, precast unit with wall portion  830 . Like lifting features  360  discussed above in relation to  FIGS. 4 and 6 , lifting features  860  are cast into base portion  810  and can be used by a crane or other lifting equipment to lift and place integrated module  805  into the trench T. Connection features  820  on liner/riser  850  illustrated in  FIG. 9  are aligned with floor level to integrate with the surrounding structure. In alternative embodiments, features along the top of wall portion  830  are adapted for connection with additional wall pieces (such as wall piece  130  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) to the pit structure can be built in segments according to this disclosure as will occur to those skilled in the art. 
         [0060]    It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. The above-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims. 
         [0061]    It should also be understood that the teachings herein may be readily applied to various kinds of lifts. By way of example only, the teachings herein may be readily applied to platform lifts, material lifts, man lifts, etc. The teachings herein may also be readily applied to robotic leg assemblies, adjustable work stations, and shock absorber systems. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be incorporated into such systems and assemblies will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Similarly, various other kinds of systems and assemblies in which the teachings herein may be incorporated will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0062]    Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.