Abstract:
A vehicle stacking apparatus includes a plurality of vehicle parking bays, and at least one traveling vehicle lifter. The vehicle parking bay includes conveying elements, upon which a vehicle can rest, and is capable of moving a vehicle forwardly or rearwardly. The traveling vehicle lifter is able to travel both horizontally and vertically between at least a vehicle access point, and a vehicle parking bay.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention is directed towards a vehicle storage structure, for the parking or garaging of vehicles. 
       BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION 
       [0002]    The present invention is directed to the storage or garaging of vehicles in a vehicle storage structure. Typically such structures comprise an array, having both width and height, so that a number of cars can be stored in an area having a relatively smaller footprint—a valuable attribute where land is at a premium. 
         [0003]    Such systems are already known. Most are based on pallet type systems, where a vehicle is driven onto a special pallet which is then subsequently stored in an available car parking bay. However, such systems require pallets to be provided for every vehicle potentially able to be stored in the structure. This can add significantly to the cost, as well as complexity, of the structure. 
         [0004]    Additionally, where parking positions are provided which are more than one vehicle deep, space is not utilised efficiently. A pallet will be designed to cater for the longest vehicle able to be transported and stored, yet many vehicles may be much shorter. For instance, a vehicle parking place may be only two pallets deep, but capable of storing three compact cars. The pallet system, therefore has a number of disadvantages. 
         [0005]    A number of systems provide for storage only in a stack—i.e. an arrangement with height, but only one vehicle wide. This simplifies the lifting arrangement, which requires only a lifting device for raising vehicles to the necessary height. However, such arrangements are limited in size and not practicable (due to the cost of multiple lifting equipment—one for each stack) where larger numbers of vehicles are to be stored. 
         [0006]    Some arrangements utilise fork type arrangements to lift and position vehicles within a parking bay. However, such arrangements are not kind to many modern vehicles which can be easily damaged by lifting in such a manner, or by not being supported at precise body lifting positions. 
         [0007]    Another characteristic of systems in the market is that vertical and horizontal travel of the travelling vehicle lifter do not occur simultaneously. The operations are performed separately, which significantly slows the process of storing or retrieving a vehicle. This is undesirable for busy installations, such as at an airport or train station, though acceptable for garaging the cars of tenants in a small block of apartments. 
         [0008]    Finally, many parking structures are fixed and inflexible in construction. There are no known systems which can be readily dismantled after temporary use, and moved to a new site. Hence, potential applications of such vehicle storage systems are limited. 
         [0009]    Accordingly there are a number of limitations of the prior art, which the present invention seeks to address. 
         [0010]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle parking or garaging system which addresses some of the problems of the prior art. 
         [0011]    At the very least it is an object of the present invention to provide the public with a useful choice. 
         [0012]    Aspects of the present invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the ensuing description. 
       GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus comprising a plurality of vehicle parking bays, and at least one travelling vehicle lifter; 
         [0014]    a said vehicle parking bay including conveying means, upon which a vehicle can rest, and capable of moving a said vehicle forwardly or rearwardly; 
         [0015]    said travelling vehicle lifter able to travel both horizontally and vertically between at least vehicle access point, and a vehicle parking bay. 
         [0016]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus, substantially as described above, in which said array comprises a plurality of vehicle parking bays in both a vertical and horizontal direction. 
         [0017]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a said vehicle parking bay has depth, able to accommodate a plurality of vehicles end to end. 
         [0018]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus, substantially as described above, in which there is a plurality of arrays accessible to a travelling vehicle lifter. 
         [0019]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the conveying means on both the travelling vehicle lifter, and vehicle parking bay, can interact to facilitate the transfer of a vehicle between the two. 
         [0020]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the conveying means on both the travelling vehicle lifter, and a vehicle access point, can interact to facilitate the transfer of a vehicle between the two. 
         [0021]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus, substantially as described above, in which there are provided a plurality of vehicle access points, accessible to a travelling vehicle lifter. 
         [0022]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the conveying means on said travelling vehicle lifter is locked against operation whilst the travelling vehicle lifter is in motion. 
         [0023]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the conveying means on a travelling vehicle lifter is locked against operation unless the lifter is aligned with either or both of a vehicle parking bay, or a vehicle access point. 
         [0024]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the conveying means on a vehicle parking bay is locked against operation unless the travelling vehicle lifter is aligned therewith. 
         [0025]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the vehicle travelling lifter is capable of moving simultaneously horizontally and vertically. 
         [0026]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the vehicle parking bays are positioned within a structure constructed of modular units. 
         [0027]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the vehicle parking bays are positioned within a structure comprising a dismantlable frame. 
         [0028]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus, substantially as described above, in which conveying means for a vehicle parking bay comprises substantially a replaceable modular unit. 
         [0029]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a travelling vehicle lifter comprises a travelling carriage, a vehicle platform, and platform lifting means. 
         [0030]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus, substantially as described above, in which travel of a travelling vehicle lifter is by any one or more of: a chain drive system, motorised wheels, a screw and nut type system, electromagnetic propulsion, a gear and rack type system, cable and pulley system, hydraulics or pneumatic systems. 
         [0031]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus, substantially as described above, in which lifting of the vehicle platform of a travelling vehicle lifter is by any one or more of: chain drive mechanisms, screw and nut type systems, a gear and rack type system, jack and ratchet type systems, cable and pulley systems, hydraulics or pneumatic systems. 
         [0032]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus, substantially as described above, in which there is provided sensing means on the travelling vehicle lifter to ascertain whether it is aligned accurately with a vehicle parking bay and/or vehicle access point. 
         [0033]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus, substantially as described above, where said sensing means helps guide and accurately align a travelling vehicle lifter. 
         [0034]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus, substantially as described above, in which there are provided temporary storage positions, into which the travelling vehicle lifter can temporarily place vehicles when accessing vehicles stored behind the front vehicle in systems providing vehicle parking bays more than one vehicle deep. 
         [0035]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus, substantially as described in the preceding paragraph, in which other vacant vehicle parking bays can be used as a temporary storage position. 
         [0036]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus, substantially as described in the preceding paragraph, in which there is also provided at least one vehicle service bay, to which a vehicle may be temporarily transferred for servicing or grooming. 
         [0037]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus, substantially as described in the preceding paragraph, in which the vehicle parking bays are arranged in a structure which is, when viewed in top plan view, either curved or substantially circular. 
         [0038]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus, substantially as described in the preceding description, which includes a control system implementing at least one of: remembering which vehicle is stored where; prioritising movements; optimising travel between positions for the transfer of vehicles; recording estimated time of driver return (potentially factoring this into optimised vehicle movements); special security requests; facilitating available options such as servicing and grooming and taking associated driver requests; allowing for retrieval by other authorised or designated persons; providing account management, cost and accounting facilities. 
         [0039]    According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a modular parking bay, including conveying means for moving a vehicle within forwardly or rearwardly, the modular parking bay being for use in vehicles stacking apparatus, substantially as described in the preceding description. 
         [0040]    The apparatus of the present invention typically comprises a plurality of vehicle parking bays, one or more vehicle access points, and one or more travelling vehicle lifters capable of transferring vehicles from an access point and a parking bay, and vice versa. Other vehicle movement operations may occasionally be performed. 
         [0041]    Typically the plurality of vehicle parking bays are arranged in at least a two dimension array, having height and width. The array, from top plan view, may be linear, though it is also envisaged that the array may be constructed to be curved, angled, or circular in top plan view. This will typically be a case of user choice, or where available space (land) requirements necessitate alternative designs. 
         [0042]    The vehicle parking bays will typically be arranged in a regular pattern, though need not be so. Each bay may be of substantially constant height and width, though differently sized bays may be provided to cater for certain vehicles, such as over-height or over-width vehicles. 
         [0043]    In a preferred embodiment the structure comprising the vehicle parking bays will be modular or of a construction allowing the structure to be readily dismantled or changed. In both cases, the arrangement allows for the construction and use of temporary and semi-permanent structures (as well as permanent structures) which can be removed or relocated after a period of use. Both arrangements also allow for the ready expansion of the structure should more parking bays be necessary, or different types of bays included. 
         [0044]    Modular units will typically comprise individual bays (though may comprise several bays), which ideally can be lifted into position by crane. The required conveying means may be included, or installed subsequently to lifting a module into position. 
         [0045]    Other arrangements may comprise a frame structure, assembled using removable fasteners (such as bolts). This allows for ready fabrication, as well as dismantling (for removal or changing the design of the structure). As can be appreciated, other readily assembled arrangements, other than a frame structure, exist and may be used—e.g. various preassembled components and sections. 
         [0046]    Each vehicle parking bay will have at least one opening which the travelling vehicle lifter can visit. The opening will allow for the transfer of a vehicle between the lifter and the bay. In some arrangements, a bay may have access openings at each end, particularly when able to be serviced by travelling vehicle lifters at each end of the bay. This will be more common in apparatus where there is a plurality of arrays (of vehicle parking bays) separated by travelling vehicle lifters; though a single array of bays can be serviced by travelling vehicle lifters on each side (i.e. each end of the bays) to speed up loading and retrieval times in high traffic installations. 
         [0047]    Vehicle parking bays may be more than one vehicle deep, to maximise space. The length may be optimised, such as two large vehicles or three compact vehicles in length. Positioning a car in an appropriate bay will be overseen by the control system, to maximise stacking efficiency. 
         [0048]    In multiple depth parking bay systems, it may be desirable to include temporary storage bays, so that end vehicles can be temporarily placed while retrieving a vehicle deeper in the bay. Other vacant vehicle parking bays may also be used in such operations, though it may be desirable to include a temporary storage bay—which may be a normal parking bay merely allocated for temporary storage—for situations when the structure is close to full. 
         [0049]    Other types of bays may also be provided. For instance, one or more service bays may be provided to which vehicles may be delivered for options such as servicing, cleaning and grooming etc. Servicing options may include, for example, fuel filling, lubrication checks, cooling fluid checks, mechanical servicing, tyre replacement, etc. Vehicles booked in for various types of grooming or servicing options, can be delivered to the service bay according to a sequence determined by the control system. The sequence can be determined based on a number of factors, including (but not limited to): time of entry into the structure, expected time of retrieval from the structure, urgency indicated by driver, expected time to complete operation, backlog, job-type priority, etc. The control system may also include integrated accounting, so that the servicing can be paid for when a driver parks or retrieves their vehicle, or invoiced later—various credit card payment, electronic banking, invoicing and account arrangements can be implemented. 
         [0050]    The service bay may merely be a vehicle access point where a valet or service person retrieves a vehicle and takes it for servicing. However, it may be a specialised bay containing all of the equipment that may be required—e.g. a cleaning bay, may comprise an automated car wash, for instance. By implementing such options, a driver can return to have their vehicle fully fuelled and cleaned etc.—a valuable option for the busy executive. 
         [0051]    Vehicle access points are generally points where drivers can position their vehicles for storage, or retrieve them. They will typically comprise a platform, able to load the vehicle onto, or from, a travelling vehicle lifter (though may be the lifter itself). More than one travelling vehicle lifter may visit a particular access point. One or more vehicle access points may be provided. 
         [0052]    Typically each access point is accompanied by a station where a driver can enter their instructions. This may be for storage, or retrieval. Various available options, such as servicing and grooming (etc.) may also be entered. Operation may be by keypad, touch panel/screen, swipe cards, audible instructions to an operator or automated system, instructions from software provided in a Smartphone or PDA or dedicated device, and/or remote control units (such as many people may use to open their garage door). Help station facilities may be provided, including physical operators or valets to assist drivers. 
         [0053]    The apparatus also includes one or more travelling vehicle lifters, able to transport a vehicle between various bays and/or access points as may be required. A travelling vehicle lifter may take many designs, though it is desirable that it is able to travel (horizontally) while lifting or lowering so as to reduce access times. 
         [0054]    The lifter may be mounted on a travelling carriage able to travel along the length of a parking bay structure (or part thereof when multiple lifters are used to service different parts of a structure). The carriage may be driven by a variety of means, including a chain drive system, motorised wheels, a screw and nut type system, electromagnetic propulsion, a gear and rack type system, cable and pulley system, hydraulics or pneumatic systems, etc. A wide range of options exist, and may be implemented. However, desirably the system is relatively simple to implement, easy to maintain, reliable, and suitable for the task of moving a carriage with vehicle. 
         [0055]    Also provided on the travelling vehicle lifter is a vehicle platform upon which a vehicle may rest. This platform will be able to be raised, with or without a vehicle as a load. The vehicle platform may be lifted in a variety of manners, including chain drive mechanisms, screw and nut type systems, a gear and rack type system, jack and ratchet type systems, cable and pulley systems, hydraulics or pneumatic systems, etc. 
         [0056]    In a preferred arrangement, a support mast is provided at each corner of the platform, the height of the mast being substantially the same as, or higher than, the array of parking bays (except in systems utilising lifters at different elevations—see below). This supports one or more types of lifting arrangements (e.g. hydraulic rams, chain drive systems, etc.) which are synchronised to lift a vehicle platform evenly and without tilting. 
         [0057]    To allow facilitates of greater height to be used, travelling vehicle lifters operating at different elevations may be used. For instance, to access an upper level, the lowest lifter may lift a vehicle to a temporary storage bay at its highest lifting height. Here it can be accessed by another travelling lifter operating at a higher elevation. This operation can be repeated over again to gain increasing height. However, using multiple lifters can slow access times and be inefficient. Accordingly, it is envisaged that such systems may be best utilised when access points at different elevations are available (perhaps with their own on/off ramps at different street levels)—for instance, a person may enter at one level, though free parking bays may only be accessible at a level serviced by a different lifter. It would also allow the driver to return and retrieve their car at a different (street) level, for instance. 
         [0058]    To facilitate the horizontal transfer of vehicles between components such as, access points, parking bays, and vehicle platforms, a conveyor type system in used. Essentially the wheels of the vehicle rest on a conveyor, which can propel the vehicle forwardly or backwardly, as may be required. The conveyors on aligned components can be operated to work together, to facilitate (for instance) transferring a vehicle between a vehicle platform and access point, or a vehicle platform and parking bay, or a vehicle platform and service bay, etc. Where multiple vehicle depth parking bays are provided, the associated conveyer systems may be divided into several independently moveable conveyors, so one vehicle can be moved in the bay, without affecting another. 
         [0059]    The apparatus will typically have an associated control system, which can be quite simple in design through to quite sophisticated. Ideally the control system will provide for functions such as: remembering which vehicle is stored where, prioritising movements, and optimising travel between positions for the transfer of vehicles. A more sophisticated system may include functions such as: recording estimated time of driver return (potentially factoring this into optimised vehicle movements); special security requests; facilitating available options such as servicing and grooming and taking associated driver requests; allowing for retrieval by other authorised or designated persons; providing account management, cost and accounting facilities; etc. It is envisaged that this type of control system will comprise a predominantly software solution for flexibility. 
         [0060]    It is envisaged that the control system may have the ability to interface with other systems—e.g. it may send requests and receive information from a service department. This could, for instance, allow the service department to request retrieval of the next vehicle on their service list. Again this may be integrated with an accounting system to allow charges to be stored against an account, and/or automatically debited to a bank or other type of funds or credit account. 
     
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0061]    Different aspects of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0062]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0063]      FIG. 2  is an end view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0064]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0065]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a travelling vehicle lifter and access point arrangement; 
           [0066]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a travelling vehicle lifter; 
           [0067]      FIG. 6  is an end view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0068]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of conveying means; 
           [0069]      FIG. 8  is a partial cutaway view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0070]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a step in a vehicle retrieval process; 
           [0071]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another step in a vehicle retrieval process; 
           [0072]      FIG. 11  is a side view of an embodiment of an multiple vehicle depth parking bay, and 
           [0073]      FIG. 12  is a plan view of a curved embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0074]    With reference to the drawings and by way of example only there is provided vehicle stacking apparatus (generally indicated by arrow  1 ) comprising a plurality of vehicle parking bays (generally indicated by arrows  2 ), vehicle access points ( 3   a ,  3   b ), and a travelling vehicle lifter (generally indicated by arrow  4 ). 
         [0075]      FIGS. 1 through 3  show two arrays ( 5   a ,  5   b ) of parking bays ( 2 ) in a spaced apart disposition to be serviced by a lifter ( 4 ) travelling between the arrays ( 5   a ,  5   b ).  FIG. 3  shows parking bays ( 2 ) positioned in a non-regular arrangement, and wherein different height bays are also provided for differently sized vehicles. 
         [0076]      FIG. 4  illustrates the access points ( 3   a ,  3   b ) with the travelling vehicle lifter ( 4 ) in a position to receive a vehicle. The parking bay arrays are stored in the building ( 8 ), such as also illustrated in  FIG. 3 . A command entry station ( 9 ) is provided for a driver to interface with the system in order to store or retrieve a vehicle. This may include payment means, such as a cash payment mechanism, and/or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) reader for banking and/or credit cards, etc. Such payment options are more likely for use in public places. In private garaging, security cards, keypads, and devices, etc. are morely likely to be used. Motion sensing equipment may be provided to ensure a vehicle appears unoccupied before it can proceed to storage. 
         [0077]      FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate a preferred embodiment of a travelling vehicle lifter ( 4 ). This comprises a supporting carriage ( 10 ) able to travel along rails ( 11 ). An electric motor ( 12 ) interacts with either a chain or cable to move the carriage ( 10 ) horizontally. 
         [0078]    A vehicle platform ( 14 ) is supported at each corner by a mast ( 15 ) along which it can travel vertically; the masts acting as a guide for travel. A chain drive system (not visible) housed within the masts ( 15 ) is driven by a pair of electric motors ( 16 ) for raising and lowering the platform ( 14 ). Accordingly, in response to a control signal, the lifter ( 4 ) can travel horizontally while raising the platform ( 14 ) vertically for placing or retrieving a vehicle. 
         [0079]      FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate a conveyor assembly as is used in the parking bays ( 2 ), accessing points ( 3 ) and vehicle platform ( 14 ). The wheels of a vehicle (not shown) are positioned on the conveyor&#39;s tracks ( 17 ). An electric motor ( 18 ) driving connected rollers ( 19 ) move the tracks ( 17 ), as well as any vehicle thereon, either rearwardly or forwardly. By the use of such as arrangement, a vehicle can be transferred between either of an access point ( 3 ) or bay ( 2 ) and the vehicle platform ( 14 ). 
         [0080]      FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate the retrieval (or parking) of a vehicle ( 24 ) in a bay. In  FIG. 9 , the vehicle platform ( 14 ) of the lifter ( 4 ) is aligned with the bay ( 2 ) so that the conveyors ( 20 ) and ( 21 ) are aligned. The conveyors ( 20 ,  21 ) are operated so the car is moved onto the platform. Sensors may be provided to indicate that the vehicle is suitably positioned. The vehicle ( 24 ) is then in the position of  FIG. 10 . The supporting platform ( 14 ) and lifter ( 4 ) are operated to take the vehicle to the access point ( 3 ), or another position if required (e.g. service bay, or temporary placement), lowering the vehicle while travelling horizontally. 
         [0081]    In  FIG. 9 , one of the bays ( 30 ) is a service bay. This may include a manually operated petrol pump operated by a valet. An access point (not visible) may be provided at the rear to allow for service people to retrieve and park vehicles required for servicing. The bay ( 30 ) may also comprise or feed to an automated car wash. The same conveyor system may be used for the car wash.  4   
         [0082]    Each car parking bay can be modular units, as is shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . Each module can be added or subtracted from the structure, and the control system programmed accordingly. If necessary the tracks ( 11 ) for the carriage ( 10 ) can be extended. 
         [0083]      FIG. 3  illustrates more of a framework type construction, which can be quickly assembled or disassembled for alteration or removal. 
         [0084]      FIG. 11  illustrates a multiple depth parking bay structure, where parking bays ( 52 ) of more than one vehicle depth are used. The top bay shows where up to three compact cars ( 41 ) can be stored. The lower bay illustrates two larger vehicles ( 40 ) instead being stored. To accomplish this, multiple conveyors ( 41   a - d ) are used to allow individual vehicles to be moved (end one first for retrieval) for placement. This represents a variation for some situations. 
         [0085]      FIG. 12  illustrates a curved or part circular parking bay structure, as a variation for certain situations (be it for land and space limitations, aesthetics, or other). 
         [0086]    Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as described herein. 
         [0087]    It should also be understood that the term “comprise” where used herein is not to be considered to be used in a limiting sense. Accordingly, ‘comprise’ does not represent nor define an exclusive set of items, but includes the possibility of other components and items being added to the list. 
         [0088]    This specification is also based on the understanding of the inventor regarding the prior art. The prior art description should not be regarded as being authoritative disclosure on the true state of the prior art but rather as referencing considerations brought to the mind and attention of the inventor when developing this invention.