Elevator – industrial lift truck – or stationary lift for vehicle – Having specific load support drive-means or its control – Includes control for power source of drive-means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-25
2001-06-05
Salata, Jonathan (Department: 2837)
Elevator, industrial lift truck, or stationary lift for vehicle
Having specific load support drive-means or its control
Includes control for power source of drive-means
C187S213000, C414S240000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06241049
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to vehicle stacking systems.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Vehicle stacking systems are utilized to maximize the use of parking garage space. Typically, vehicle stacking systems will stack two or three automobiles vertically utilizing a lifting apparatus and a plurality of vehicle platforms which are selectively moved upward and downward by the lifting apparatus. A variety of competing design considerations must be balanced in constructing and utilizing vehicle stacking systems. First, the vehicle stacking systems must be economical. If the price of the apparatus is too high, this will make the parking facility less competitive and thus less attractive to its potential and actual customers. Second, the vehicle stacking system should be either aesthetically pleasing or relatively unobtrusive. This is true because many urban areas have fairly restrictive ordinances which requirement concealment of large pieces of equipment, such as vehicle stacking devices. Third, the device must be safe, since there is always a potential for personal injury and the loss of property should the device malfunction. Fourth, the vehicle lifting system should be easy to use. It should be easy to use for the operator of the device and additionally it should be easy to use for the customers that park their vehicles in the system. In prior art devices, the efficient use of ground space was in direct conflict with customer comfort and convenience. The prior art systems typically provide little or no room for ingress and egress to and from the vehicle by the customer after the vehicle is parked on a lift platform. The present invention balances these competing design considerations and provides a novel and economical solution to problems which exist in the current state of the art of vehicle stacking systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an improved car stacking apparatus which includes a number of novel features which together or in combination provide significant advantages over the state of the prior art. Preferably, but not necessarily, these novel features are implemented in a multiple-car stacking apparatus, preferably an apparatus which is utilized to park or store three automobiles. Some features are susceptible for utilization in two car stacking systems, and all features can be utilized in stacking systems which stack more than three cars, although such systems are extremely uncommon. The principal car stacking systems of the prior art include two car stacking systems and three car stacking systems.
One novel feature of the present invention is to utilize a collapsible linkage connection between an upper vehicle support platform and a lower vehicle support platform. In this manner, the entire load of the lower vehicle support platform (and the vehicle carried thereon) is carried by the upper vehicle support platform and transferred through a collapsible linkage member. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the collapsible linkage member comprises a plurality of chains which serve to suspend a lower vehicle platform member directly beneath an upper vehicle platform member. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, three vehicle loading positions are defined, each corresponding to the storage or parking of a separate vehicle. In a first loading position, the upper vehicle support platform and the lower vehicle support platform are in a down position with the upper vehicle support platform directly above the lower vehicle support platform. In this position, the vehicle is driven onto the upper vehicle support platform, and parked thereon. In the second vehicle loading position, the upper vehicle support platform is elevated a predetermined distance above the lower vehicle support platform. However, the lower vehicle support platform is maintained in a down position substantially in engagement with the flooring. A second vehicle is then driven onto the lower vehicle support platform, and parked thereon. In the third vehicle loading position, the upper vehicle support platform and lower vehicle support platform are elevated predetermined distances above the flooring. Then, a third vehicle is driven into position underneath the lower vehicle support platform, and parked thereon. The utilization of a collapsible linkage member between the upper and lower vehicle support platforms facilitates this type of operation. It allows for easy stacking of the upper and lower vehicle support platforms. The utilization of a collapsible linkage such as a chain is a very easy way to allow for secure mechanical connection, and is perfect for suspending the lower vehicle support platform underneath the upper vehicle support platform.
Certain advantages flow from utilizing collapsible linkage members to couple the vehicle support platforms to one another. Preferably, the collapsible linkage members are symmetrically positioned along the outer edges of the upper and lower vehicle support platforms. Preferably, but not necessarily, they are located proximate the front and rear tires of the vehicle, since this is where the load of the vehicle is transferred. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one lift arm is pivotally coupled between a vertical support structure and the upper vehicle support platform. Additionally, a reaction arm is also coupled between the vertical support structure and the upper vehicle support platform. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a torque bar is also coupled between the vertical support structure and the upper vehicle support platform. All of these items are pivotally coupled between the vertical support structure and the upper vehicle support platform. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper vehicle support platform is moved through a predetermined arc as it is moved between the first, second, and third vehicle loading positions. The collapsible linkage connection between the upper vehicle support platform and the lower vehicle support platform is laid down neatly beside the parking apparatus as the upper vehicle support platform is moved between the second vehicle loading position and the first vehicle loading position. This minimizes the possibility of entanglement of the collapsible linkage member, and is especially useful when chains are utilized as a collapsible linkage member. Conversely, as the upper vehicle support platform is moved upward from a first vehicle loading position to a second vehicle loading position, the collapsible linkage member is pulled upward as needed, again minimizing the opportunity for entanglement.
The present invention utilizes a rotatable connection member in order to facilitate the movement of the moving portions of the storage apparatus (as well as the center of gravity of the entire apparatus and automobiles combined) through a predefined arcuate pathway. The travel path is largely upward and downward, with very little lateral movement (as will be described and depicted in the detailed description). This maintains the center of gravity in a substantially uniform location, and also allows for several other advantageous features in addition to the previously mentioned feature of allowing the utilization of collapsible linkage members, such as chains or cables. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the rotatable connection member pivotally connects at least one adjustable-link lift arm and at least one reaction arm to an upper vehicle support platform.
The present invention also includes another novel feature over the state of the prior art. In accordance with the present invention, the lift apparatus is utilized to slightly tilt the vehicle support platforms one direction during loading operations, and in an opposition direction during lifting and storing operations. When the cars are lifted and stored, the forward end of the vehicle support platform is maintained in a slightly l
Hunn Melvin A.
Salata Jonathan
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