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.