Combination structure providing multiple covered parking and storage spaces

Abstract

A combination structure that provides multiple covered parking spaces and storage units for use by apartment dwellers and/or office tenants. The metal and concrete structure can be a permanent one or it can be removable, with modular storage units. The structure can be built on new or pre-existing paved surfaces, and it can have design features to complement nearby buildings.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure which provides covered parking spaces as well as individual storage units for owners and lessors of units of nearby building complexes. The invention also relates to a method for utilizing prefabricated modular storage units for the structure.

[0002] When building complexes are developed, parking and storage needs are often not adequately addressed. For instance, apartment and condominium complexes, as well as townhouses and small office buildings, often provide only large, uncovered parking lots for parking owners' and lessors' vehicles. Such parking may include visitors parking as well, meaning it may be inconvenient to the living spaces/offices. Parking garages, while providing covered parking, are expensive to erect. In any event, storage space is often inadequate or nonexistent.

[0003] A need exists for individual covered parking spaces to protect persons' motor vehicles from the elements. Additionally, a need exists for convenient storage space located near living units/office spaces of multi-unit buildings. A structure that provides covered parking and a secure storage unit for each owner/lessor, conveniently located near the living units/office spaces, would meet both of these needs in a single embodiment.

[0004] Financing is often required in order to build a structure. If the building complex itself has been financed in the standard financial market, normally the owner of the complex cannot allow a second lien to be created on the property, for any reason. Therefore, owners of a financed apartment/office complex cannot secure additional financing on a permanent structure, such as a covered parking/storage structure, because no right of repossession can be given to the lender. A design for a covered parking/storage structure should provide a means by which it can be financed in the standard market.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention provides covered parking for a number of users, in combination with storage units affixed to the top side of the “covering” for the parked vehicles. The structure can be constructed on new parking areas or on existing parking lots, requiring only a minimal period of shut-down time. The structure can be located adjacent to apartment buildings or offices, making both parking and storage convenient for the users. The storage units can be permanently affixed or can be removably attached to the structure. Optional features such as air-conditioning, a hoist, electrical lighting, key card access, and video surveillance can be added.

[0006] Typically, the structure has supporting columns, each having a lower end which is installed into a pipe sleeve which is embedded into a concrete footing providing support. The upper ends of the columns support the platform, which provides covered parking for vehicles, as well as support for the storage units. The platform and storage units are typically constructed from pre-engineered metal building components or materials used for light commercial buildings. Stairs and a walkway provide access to the storage units, with guard rails for meeting safety considerations.

[0007] The alternate structure disclosed herein can be constructed with modular storage units. Therefore, the structure can be financed in the standard market because the units can be removed and repossessed by the lender if the property owner fails to pay the financing note. The financing agreement between the property owner and the lender would be similar to the type of agreement currently used to secure the purchase of appliances and air conditioning units for apartments/office complexes.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a structure which combines covered parking spaces with convenient storage units for a number of users.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure which is simple to construct on existing or new parking lots.

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a structure utilizing readily-available construction materials and needing minimal foundation construction, shop fabrication and field erection.

[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide a structure which can be adapted to add air-conditioning, a hoist, electrical lighting, key card access and video surveillance.

[0012] A still further object of the present invention is to provide a structure which can be adapted to have modular storage units which can be installed and removed as needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing the combination covered parking/storage structure of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing an alternate combination covered parking/storage structure of the present invention, with modular storage units

[0015] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the structure of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the alternate structure of the present invention, with modular storage units.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the structure of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a side plan view of the alternate structure of the present invention, with modular storage units.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention, with modular storage units.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a detail view of the lower end of the column set in the foundation.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a detail cross-sectional view of the connections between the column, the frame, and the slab, for the alternate structure of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional top view of the deck frame under the concrete deck.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional top view of the concrete deck of the structure of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional top view of the removable concrete deck panels of the alternate structure of the present invention, with modular storage units.

[0026] FIG. 14 is a detail cross-sectional side view of the connections between the steel framing panels and the concrete panels, for the alternate structure of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of the removable concrete panels.

[0028] FIG. 16 is a top view of an angle iron frame used for the alternate structure of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the combination structure 1 of the present invention provides both covered parking and storage space for a number of users. The structure 1 can be erected on a new or pre-existing paved surface 2. A concrete deck 3 supported by tube steel columns 4 provides a “covering” for parking spaces 5. The columns 4 are spaced apart, typically the width of two parking spaces 5. The columns 4 must be tall enough to provide clearance for vehicles to park. The storage compartment 6, located above the parking spaces, is typically constructed with prefabricated metal walls 7 and metal roof panels 8, with optional fiberglass sky lights 9. The metal walls 7 and metal roof panels 8 can be joined together by welding or other fastening techniques. An optional storage unit 10 can be built on the paved surface 2 for access by handicapped persons when a lift is not available. Interior divider walls (not shown) separate the storage compartment 6 into individual storage sections, each with an insulated coiling door 11, which rolls up manually. Access to the coiling doors 11 is provided by a stairway 12 leading to a walkway 13. A metal safety guardrail 14 is located along the walkway 13 and one side of the stairway 12. Decorative elements (not shown) such as a hip or gable roof, with or without dummy windows, can be used to make the structure cosmetically pleasing and to complement nearby buildings.

[0030] The alternate combination structure 20 shown in FIG. 2 has multiple modular storage units 21, which are removable. The modular storage units 21 are made from light gauge steel; they can be made with a skin of wood planks, plaster, metal panels or aluminum siding, depending on design choice. These modular storage units 21 can be prefabricated and assembled off-site and hoisted into place by a crane, using the lifting eyes 22 as attachment means to the hoist.

[0031] The top view in FIG. 3 shows the storage compartment 6, with the interior divider walls 25 shown as dotted lines. Light is provided through sky lights 9. The stairway 12 leads up to the walkway 13.

[0032] In FIG. 4, each of the modular storage units 21 has walls 30 which separate the storage units 21 from one another. The stairway 12 leads up to the walkway 31. Lifting eyes 22 provide attachment means for moving the modular storage units 21.

[0033] FIG. 5 shows the metal wall 7 of the storage compartment 6 of the combination structure 1. The tube steel columns 4 support the storage compartment 6, the stairway 12 and the walkway 13.

[0034] The cross-sectional view of the combination structure 1 in FIG. 6 shows some of the construction details. Interior metal wall panels 35 comprise the interior divider walls 25 which separate the storage compartment 6 into individual storage sections 26. The size of the storage sections can vary depending on market preferences. Each storage section 26 has a coiling door 11 which rolls upwards around spool 36 to allow access to the storage section 26. The storage compartment 6 is bolted to a concrete deck 3, which is supported by the structural steel frame 37.

[0035] FIG. 7 shows the metal wall 7 of the alternate structure 20. The tube steel columns 4 support the modular storage units 21, the stairway 12 and the walkway 31.

[0036] The cross-sectional view of the alternate structure 20 in FIG. 8 shows some of the construction details. Each modular storage unit 21 has modular unit wall panels 40 comprising the sides. Each modular storage unit 21 has a coiling door 11 which rolls upwards around spool 36 to allow access to the modular storage unit 21. The modular storage units 21 are bolted to the concrete deck panels 53, which are supported by the structural steel frame 37.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 9, in order to install each tube steel column 4, a section of paved surface 2 has been constructed below grade, and a steel sleeve 46 encased in the concrete pier 45. The lower end of a column 4 has then been inserted into the steel sleeve 46 and welded or bolted in place. (Because paved parking areas are typically not level, the lower ends of the columns 4 will be inserted into the steel sleeves 46 at varying depths.)

[0038] FIG. 10 shows the typical connections between the upper end of each column 4 and the structural steel frame 37, and between the frame 37 and the concrete deck 3. The structural steel frame 37, which is constructed from prefabricated structural steel framing panels 51, is attached to the upper end of each column 4 with bolts 52. Prefabricated concrete panels 53, with an angle iron frame 54 and pad eyes 55 are laid into place on top of the frame 37, and attached with anchor bolts 56.

[0039] FIG. 11 shows the layout of the structural steel frame 37, which is constructed from prefabricated structural steel framing panels 51. The number of cross beams can vary, depending on design and construction considerations.

[0040] FIG. 12 shows the layout of the concrete deck 3, with expansion gaps 57, for construction of the permanent structure 1. The concrete top finish is typically sealed.

[0041] FIG. 13 shows the layout of the prefabricated concrete panels 53 used for construction of the alternate removable structure 20. A gasket (not shown) is typically disposed between the concrete panels 53 in order to prevent rain from dripping onto the vehicles below. The concrete top finish is typically sealed.

[0042] FIG. 14 shows the connections between the prefabricated structural steel framing panels 51 and the concrete deck panels 53. The steel framing panels 51 are attached with bolts 52 to form the structural steel frame 37. The concrete deck panels 53 are attached to the angle iron frame 54 with anchor bolts 56.

[0043] FIG. 15 shows a cross sectional side view of the concrete deck panels 53, with the section forming the walkway 31.

[0044] FIG. 16 shows the angle iron frame 54 used for the alternate combination structure 20.

Claims

1. A combination apparatus for providing covered parking for vehicles and storage, said apparatus comprising:

at least four columns, each one of the columns having a first end and a second end, the first end being affixed to a paved surface;

a steel frame support mounted onto the second ends of the columns;

a concrete deck having a perimeter, the deck being affixed to the steel frame;

a storage compartment having interior divider walls forming multiple adjacent storage spaces; and

means for accessing the storage spaces.

2. The combination apparatus of claim 1 which further includes a stairway and a walkway to the storage spaces.

3. The combination apparatus of claim 2 which further includes a guardrail affixed to a section of the perimeter of the concrete deck.

4. The combination apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for accessing each of the storage spaces comprises a coiling door.

5. A removable combination apparatus for providing covered parking for vehicles and storage, said apparatus comprising:

at least four columns, each one of the columns having a first end and a second end, the first end being affixed to a paved surface;

a steel frame support mounted onto the second ends of the columns;

an angle iron frame having a perimeter;

prefabricated concrete panels affixed to the angle iron frame;

a multiple number of prefabricated storage units arranged and affixed adjacent one to another, the storage units being affixed onto the concrete panels;

means for accessing the storage units.

6. The combination apparatus of claim 5 which further includes a stairway and a walkway to the storage units.

7. The combination apparatus of claim 6 which further includes a guardrail affixed to a section of the perimeter of the angle iron frame.

8. The combination apparatus of claim 5 wherein the means for accessing each of the storage units comprises a coiling door.