Abstract:
The passenger and vehicle elevator system includes a plurality of elevator cars arrayed substantially equidistantly and equiangularly from a central shaft of the building (B). Each elevator car ( 12, 14, 16 ) includes a housing and at least one door ( 54 ). The housing has a floor, a ceiling, and at least one sidewall. A linearly translating platform ( 50 ) is mounted on the floor of each of the housings. The linearly translating platform ( 50 ) is adapted for automatically carrying the vehicle (V) and the at least one passenger through the at least one door ( 54 ). Further, the vehicle (V) may be rotated within the housing by driven rotation of the platform ( 50 ) or the floor, allowing for selective angular positioning of the vehicle (V) with respect to the housing. The elevator car ( 12 ) ascends and descends within a corresponding elevator shaft in a manner similar to that of a conventional elevator.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/755,780, filed on Jan. 31, 2013, entitled Passenger and Vehicle Elevator System and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/595,225, filed Feb. 6, 2012, entitled Passenger and Vehicle Elevator System. The prior applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to elevators, and particularly to a passenger and vehicle elevator system for carrying a vehicle and at least one passenger within a multi-story building. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     The increasing cost of urban land, together with the need to provide affordable high density housing, as well as low-cost commercial or professional office space, presents several problems in the development of building complexes, particularly including motor vehicle parking facilities. Specifically, the need to develop affordable high-density housing, such as apartment or condominium complexes, has presented a problem in providing adequate space for parking personal motor vehicles in close proximity to the apartment or condominium building or buildings without encountering the prohibitive cost of erecting buildings with garage facilities directly above, or more commonly, directly below the building floors or levels that are dedicated to multiple dwelling units. 
     National and local regulatory requirements with respect to fire ratings of structures with garages directly underneath residential dwelling units is cost prohibitive with respect to providing affordable housing in many urban areas. Further, the irregular shape of land parcels usually available for high-density housing in highly developed urban areas also presents a problem with respect to the placement of adequate parking spaces for personal automobile vehicles, which are closely adjacent the vehicle owner&#39;s dwelling unit. 
     One solution to the above-mentioned problems is the development of multi-story garages for motor vehicles directly adjacent to, or within, the buildings that include the dwelling units to be occupied by the persons normally parking their vehicles in the garage. Multi-story garages are desired in areas where land costs require a maximum utilization of land area for rentable or saleable building space. However, multi-story garages can be inconvenient to use for many building occupants if parking is required on an upper level of the garage and a pathway between an upper level dwelling unit and the garage requires travel between ground level and the upper garage level, as well as travel between ground level and an upper level dwelling or other occupiable unit in the building or buildings adjacent to the garage. 
     Multi-story garages have been constructed in which connecting bridges or walkways between parking decks and upper floors of buildings adjacent thereto have required stairways interconnecting the walkways or bridges with the parking decks, since the decks and the respective building floors have not been placed at the same elevations. Such arrangements have been unsatisfactory for elderly and disabled persons, as well as when moving large articles and furnishings between the garage and living units on the closest adjacent floors. 
     Other considerations that must be taken into account in the development of high-density housing with multistory garages adjacent thereto concerns placement of the garage with respect to the dwelling units while maintaining adequate open space therebetween to conform to regulatory requirements and aesthetic desires of the building occupants. 
     It would obviously be desirable to be able to provide the same access between a building dwelling unit on an upper floor or level and an upper story garage parking space as is provided for persons occupying a ground floor dwelling unit and corresponding ground level parking. Consideration should be given not only to the convenience of walking a substantially level pathway between a dwelling unit and the parking place for the building occupants&#39; personal vehicles, but also with regard to such activities as trash disposal, mail delivery and pickup and the ease of moving personal effects and furniture in and out of a dwelling unit. Further, it would also be desirable to be able to maximize space for both parking and the residential or office spaces in such an arrangement. 
     Thus, a passenger and vehicle elevator system solving the aforementioned problems is desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The passenger and vehicle elevator system carries a vehicle containing at least one passenger to a desired parking spot within a multi-story building. The passenger and vehicle elevator system includes a plurality of elevator cars arrayed substantially equidistantly from a central shaft of the building. Each elevator car includes a housing and at least one door. The elevator car housing has a floor, a ceiling and at least one sidewall. The elevator car is dimensioned and configured for carrying a vehicle and at least one passenger. Preferably, parking location-related information is read from the vehicle by an external sensor, such as an RFID sensor, bar code reader, or the like. 
     A linearly translating platform is mounted to the floor of each of the elevator car housings. The linearly translating platform is adapted for automatically carrying the vehicle and the at least one passenger through the at least one door. Further, the vehicle may be rotated within the housing by driven rotation of the platform or rotation of the floor, allowing for selective angular positioning of the vehicle with respect to the housing. The elevator car ascends and descends within a corresponding elevator shaft in a manner similar to that of a conventional elevator. 
     These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic plan view of a single exemplary floor of a multi-story building utilizing a passenger and vehicle elevator system according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a diagrammatic side view in section of an individual elevator car of the passenger and vehicle elevator system according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a diagrammatic top view of the individual elevator car of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3A  is a diagrammatic environmental top view, partially in section, illustrating a vehicle approaching an individual elevator of the passenger and vehicle elevator system according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 3B  is a diagrammatic environmental top view, partially in section, illustrating extension of a platform of the elevator of  FIG. 3A  to carry the vehicle into the elevator. 
         FIG. 3C  is a diagrammatic environmental top view, partially in section, illustrating the vehicle carried within the elevator of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic partial perspective view of a floor of a garage space of the passenger and vehicle elevator system. 
         FIG. 5  is another diagrammatic plan view of a single exemplary floor of a multi-story building showing garage and living spaces of a passenger and vehicle elevator system according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary floor plan of a single floor of a multi-story building B utilizing the passenger and vehicle elevator system  10 . In the exemplary floor plan of  FIG. 1 , three separate elevators  12 ,  14 ,  16  are shown positioned about a central axis A of the building B. It will be understood that each elevator  12 ,  14 ,  16  includes an elevator car that may be selectively raised or lowered within a cylindrical elevator shaft by conventional elevator machinery, which is not shown in the drawings for clarity. It should be understood that the cylindrical elevator shaft is shown for exemplary purposes only, and that the contouring and relative dimensions of both the elevator shaft and corresponding elevator car may be varied as desired. Each elevator car includes at least one inner set of doors (or a single door) that selectively open and close, and each floor of the multi-story building includes at least one set of outer doors (or a single door), and preferably two angularly offset sets of outer doors, corresponding to each elevator  12 ,  14 , and  16 . It should be understood that any desired number of elevators may be utilized, and that their positioning with respect to a building floor may be varied. In the exemplary configuration of  FIG. 1 , in which the three elevators  12 ,  14 ,  16  are positioned such that their centers are equidistant from axis A, the elevators  12 ,  14 ,  16  are arrayed as an equilateral triangle, with each of elevators  12 ,  14 ,  16  serving one of regions  18 ,  20 ,  22 . For the circular arrangement of the floor plan shown in the example of  FIG. 1 , each of regions  18 ,  20 ,  22  spans approximately 120° of arc, and each region  28 ,  20 ,  22  is separated from the adjacent region(s) by exemplary stairwells S or the like. 
     In the exemplary configuration of  FIG. 1 , each of regions  18 ,  20 ,  22  is bisected (as indicated by the dashed, radial lines in  FIG. 1 ), such that region  18  is divided into sub-regions  24 ,  26 ; region  20  is divided into sub-regions  28 ,  30 ; and region  22  is divided into sub-regions  24 - 34 . Each of the sub-regions  24 - 34  represents an individual office or dwelling space. As used herein, a dwelling space or dwelling is defined as a temporary or permanent place or shelter where a person/people live such as but not limited to a home, apartment, condominium, unit, residence, living quarters, or hotel space. As shown, each individual office or dwelling space  24 - 34  has a respective garage space  24   g - 34   g.  Each garage space has parking spaces PS disposed therein. Each garage space  24   g - 34   g  has a respective entrance/egress  24   e  -  34   e  in a corresponding wall  24   w  -  34   w  for direct access between the office/dwelling space and the corresponding garage space. This allows a vehicle to be parked in the garage space with the user therein and allows the user to directly access their office/dwelling space via the entrance/egress. Thus, in this exemplary layout, each of the three regions  18 ,  20 ,  22  contains two individual offices or dwelling spaces having two parking spaces PS. Sub-region  24  includes a pair of parking spaces  36 ; sub-region  26  includes a pair of parking spaces  38 ; sub-region  28  includes a pair of parking spaces  40 ; sub-region  30  includes a pair of parking spaces  42 ; sub-region  32  includes a pair of parking spaces  44 ; and sub-region  34  includes a pair of parking spaces  46 . The living quarters or office space for each sub-region may be disposed radially outward from the corresponding parking spaces for the sub-region. 
     Each of elevators  12 ,  14  and  16  operates in an identical manner. In  FIGS. 2A and 2B , a single elevator car  12  is illustrated. In order for the elevator car  12  to provide access to any of the two parking space pairs  36 ,  38  in sector  18  (in the configuration of  FIG. 1 ), either the inner doors  54  of the elevator car of elevator  12  may comprise one set spanning 180° of the elevator car and the elevator  12  may be equipped with a turntable to select either sub-region  24  to access parking spaces  36  or sub-region  26  to access parking spaces  38 , or the inner doors  54  of the elevator car may comprise two side-by-side sets which each span 90° and the floor of the elevator car may rotate to select either sub-region  24  or sub-region  26 . Preferably sub-region  24  has one set of outer doors  56  that open when sub-region  24  is selected, and sub-region  26  has another set of outer doors  56  that open when sub-region  26  is selected. In the exemplary circular configuration of the elevators illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2B , the inner doors  54  and the outer doors  56  must open and close along an arcuate or circumferential path, rather than the conventional rectilinear path of conventional elevator doors. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2A , the vehicle V is positioned on a platform  50  within the elevator  12 , and the platform  50  is mounted on a controllable, rotational mount  52 . This rotational mount drives rotation of the platform  50 . This rotation not only allows selection of any of the four parking spaces within a particular region, but further allows the vehicle V to enter the elevator  12  front end first and then be rotated within the elevator to also exit the elevator  12  front end first. Such rotating platforms and drive systems are well known, and any suitable type of controllable, rotational mount  52  may be utilized. One such rotating platform is manufactured by PALIS Global Parking Technologies GmbH of Gersthofen, Germany. Another such mount is the Turntable  505 , manufactured by Otto Wahr GmbH of Fiolzheim, Germany. Other examples of such rotating platforms for vehicles are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,264,257, issued to Saurwein, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2005/0095092 A1, to Segal et al, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     In addition to the rotation of the platform  50  by rotational mount  52 , the platform  50  is also preferably horizontally translatable.  FIG. 3A  illustrates a vehicle V first approaching the doors  54  of the elevator  12 . In  FIG. 3B , the doors  54  have circumferentially opened, as described above, and the platform  50  is linearly translated beneath the vehicle V and raised to carry the vehicle V. Once the platform  50  is fully positioned under the vehicle V and raised to support the vehicle, the platform  50  is translated back into the elevator  12 , as shown in  FIG. 3C , and the vehicle V may be carried to the desired floor. 
     It should be understood that any suitable type of driven platform may be utilized. Such translational dollies and mounts are well known. One such driven platform is manufactured by PALIS Global Parking Technologies GmbH of Gersthofen, Germany. Other examples of other such systems are shown in PCT Application Publication No. WO 2004/045932 A1, to Zangerle et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,914, issued to Sing, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     It should be understood that the system  10  may be used in combination with any suitable type of multi-story building. In use, vehicle V enters a ground floor, below-ground floor or lobby level and drives to one of elevators  12 ,  14 ,  16 , positioning the vehicle as shown in  FIG. 3A . Preferably, at the entrance, the vehicle passes by a sensor  70 , as shown in  FIG. 3A . Sensor  70  may be a bar code reader, an RFID sensor or the like, exchanging signals  72  with a matching label or device mounted on vehicle V for identifying the vehicle, including data identifying the vehicle&#39;s assigned floor and parking space. In response to the identification of the particular vehicle V and its assigned floor and parking space, the vehicle V is directed towards the appropriate entry or staging area in front of the corresponding one of elevators  12 ,  14 ,  16  for the particular parking space. 
     Once at the appropriate staging area, the driver turns off the ignition of vehicle V and preferably remains within the vehicle V. The doors  54  to the elevator associated with the particular staging area open and the automatically controlled translating platform or dolly  50  moves outward from the elevator. The platform  50  moves underneath the vehicle V, lifts the vehicle V, and withdraws back into the elevator with the vehicle V remaining on the platform  50 . The elevator doors  54  then close and the elevator ascends to the appropriate floor or level. 
     Once at the appropriate floor or level, the elevator doors  54  open and the laterally moving platform extends outward and deposits the vehicle V in its assigned parking space. The laterally moveable platform then withdraws from under the vehicle V, moves back into the elevator, the elevator doors  54  close, and the elevator is then ready to move the next vehicle. When the driver of vehicle V wishes the leave the building B, the driver signals for the appropriate elevator and the process is reversed. 
     Because at least some of the garage spaces  24   g - 34   g  are disposed above occupied spaces of an adjacent unit, such as bedroom(s), living rooms, office space etc., consideration is made to provide sound isolation from the floor of the garage spaces so as to reduce any noise associated with the platforms  50  transferring vehicles to/from the garage spaces  24   g - 34   g . Such is achieved by a sound isolation flooring which includes stainless steel sheets  104  (3-4 mm in thickness) which correspond to the maximum parking space PS size. The stainless steel sheets  104  are mounted on top of a 1.5 inch thick rubber layer  100 , where the rubber layer  100  can be provided in squares of a manageable size (24 inches×24 inches). The rubber layer  100  is adhered  100   a  on to the concrete sub-floor  106  and the stainless steel sheets  104  are affixed to the rubber layer  100  by mechanical fasteners  105 . The concrete sub-floor  106  at the parking spaces PS has to be level in order for the platform  50  to be able to function properly. The area in the garage space  24   g - 34   g  surrounding the parking spaces PS may be provided with a thinner rubber layer  101  covered by tiles  103  (ceramic, porcelain, granite etc.), which provides a flooring surface with a smooth/flush transition to the stainless steel sheets  104 . 
     As noted above, since at least two parking spaces are preferably associated with each office or residential unit, the system  10  not only raises the vehicle V from the entrance level to the appropriate floor of the building B, but is also capable of moving the vehicle V to the correct parking space. This is accomplished by the rotating mount  52  for rotating the platform  50 . As an alternative, the platform  50  may be equipped with its own turntable, rather than being mounted thereon. During the ascent from the entrance level, the platform  50  may be rotated, if necessary, such that the vehicle V is placed into the correct parking space. During the descent back to the street level, the platform  50  is rotated so that when the elevator doors  54  open, the platform  50  moves the vehicle V outwardly into the departure area. Preferably, the departure area is spaced apart from the staging or loading area such that vehicles may egress from the building without interfering with the progression of other vehicles which are entering the building and waiting in the staging area. It should be understood that though two exemplary parking spaces are shown for each office or residential unit, any desired number of parking spaces may be allotted. 
     Since the vehicle V is being transported vertically with one or more passengers within the elevator, and since the vehicles are being parked within the building at a level coextensive with an office or a residence, it is desirable to avoid having the vehicle engine operating either in the elevator or in the parking area. Thus, once the vehicle V initially enters the loading or staging area, a carbon monoxide detector  74  will register if the vehicle engine is operating and a positive response from the carbon monoxide detector  74  will prevent loading the vehicle onto the elevator. For example, doors  54  may remain closed until a zero or minimal level of carbon monoxide is measured by sensor  74 . Should the vehicle engine be off upon the entry into the elevator, but the engine started thereafter, one or more carbon monoxide sensors  76  within the elevator will stop the elevator&#39;s ascent and return the elevator to the entrance level. It should be understood that any suitable type of sensors may be utilized to ensure that the vehicle is not in operation. Additional sensors may be used to measuring vehicle dimensions, motion or the like, such as laser sensors, for example. 
     In order to avoid injury to the operator of the vehicle and/or any passengers, suitable motion detectors or optical sensors  78  may further be provided within the elevator to detect opening of the vehicle door or trunk, which may be utilized as a basis for stopping the ascent or descent of the elevator. Further, conventional smoke, heat or fire detectors may also be mounted within the elevator. 
     Although the elevators  12 ,  14 ,  16  may be varied in number, size and overall configuration, each elevator should be of a size sufficient to accommodate, for example, a vehicle of approximately six meters in length and two meters in width. Similarly, each elevator should be able to accommodate the weight of a motor vehicle and its passengers, preferably being able to carry loads up to approximately 3,500 kg. 
     It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.