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[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.
[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.
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[0029] As shown in
[0030] The alternate combination structure
[0031] The top view in
[0032] In
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[0034] The cross-sectional view of the combination structure
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[0036] The cross-sectional view of the alternate structure
[0037] As shown in
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