SLIDE PLATFORM

Abstract

A sliding platform system for moving a vehicle parked on a platform, the sliding platform system including at least one rail and at least one vehicle platform slidably movable upon the at least one rail, a chain drive assembly comprising a chain, motor and sprockets, a chain guide channel positioned adjacent the at least one rail, and at least one latching mechanism mounted to the platform and slidably engaged in the chain guide channel, wherein the chain drive assembly is operably coupled to the latching mechanism and wherein a portion of the chain is positioned in the chain guide channel, wherein the chain guide channel includes at least one detent operable to engage the latching mechanism when the latching mechanism is positioned in alignment with the detent and to disengage the chain from a chain engagement element in the latching mechanism. The chain drive assembly is operable to move one or more platforms along the rail to pre-selected positions. The system may include a latch set device operable to move the latch mechanism to an engaged state with the chain.

Claims

1. A sliding platform system for moving a vehicle parked on a platform, the sliding platform system comprising at least one rail and at least one vehicle platform slidably movable upon the at least one rail, a chain drive assembly comprising a chain, motor and sprockets, a chain guide channel positioned adjacent the at least one rail, and at least one latching mechanism mounted to the platform and slidably engaged in the chain guide channel, wherein the chain drive assembly is operably coupled to the latching mechanism and wherein a portion of the chain is positioned in the chain guide channel, wherein the chain guide channel comprises at least one detent operable to engage the latching mechanism when the latching mechanism is positioned in alignment with the detent.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein the vehicle platform comprises a front and rear end, opposing sides between the front and rear end extending along a long axis of the platform, the platform having a top surface configured to accommodate a vehicle thereon and an opposite, bottom surface.

3. The invention of claim 2 wherein the vehicle platform comprises at least two front end rollers mounted proximal the front end and extending from the bottom surface of the platform, and at least two rear end rollers mounted proximal the rear end and extending from the bottom surface of the platform, wherein the front end rollers are in axial alignment with each other and the rear end rollers are in axial alignment with each other, wherein the front end rollers are positioned on a first of the at least one rail and the rear end rollers are positioned on a second of the at least one rail.

4. The invention of claim 2 wherein the latching mechanism is coupled proximal to an end of the platform and extends from the bottom surface of the platform.

5. The invention of claim 1 wherein the chain drive assembly comprises an endless chain mounted on axially aligned sprockets, wherein one of the sprockets is operably coupled to the motor, wherein the chain is positioned in axial alignment with the chain guide channel, and wherein the latching mechanism comprises a latch aperture through which the chain passes and a chain engagement element operable to releasably engage the chain, wherein in the engaged state movement of the chain is operable to move the vehicle platform along the at least one rail and the latching mechanism along the chain guide channel.

6. The invention of claim 5, wherein the latching mechanism comprises a spring-loaded plunger which is operable to remain in a biased position in the chain guide channel due to force imparted against the plunger by a wall of the chain guide channel until it is positioned in axial alignment with the detent.

7. The invention of claim 6, wherein the latch mechanism is operable to slide freely within the chain guide channel until it is positioned in alignment with the detent, and to extend into the detent sufficiently to lock the platform in a desired position.

8. The invention of claim 7 wherein movement of the plunger into the detent is operable to disengage the chain engagement element from the chain, permitting the chain to move through the latch aperture and permitting the chain drive assembly to operate to move an adjacent platform while preventing movement of the platform associated with the latching mechanism engaged in the detent.

9. The invention of claim 8, further comprising a latch set device operable to move the latch mechanism to an engaged state with the chain.

10. The invention of claim 9 wherein the latch set device is positioned adjacent to a detent in the chain guide channel and comprises an actuator operably coupled to a push arm operable to exert force on a surface of the plunger in opposition to a biasing force imparted by the latching mechanism.

11. The invention of claim 1 comprising plural vehicle platforms.

12. A sliding platform system comprising: at least one vehicle platform having a front and rear end, opposing sides between the front and rear end, the platform further including a first pair of rollers mounted proximate the front end of the platform and extending vertically with respect to a horizontal plane of the platform and in axial alignment with a short axis of the platform, the first pair of rollers being positioned between the sides of the platform, and a second pair of rollers mounted proximal the rear end of the platform and extending vertically with respect to a horizontal plane of the platform and in axial alignment with the short axis of the platform, the second pair of rollers being positioned between the sides of the platform; at least one rail upon which the at least one vehicle platform is slidably mounted; a chain drive assembly comprising a chain, motor and sprockets; a chain guide channel positioned adjacent the at least one rail and comprising at least one detent; a latching mechanism mounted proximal to an end of the platform and extending from a bottom surface of the platform and slidably engaged in the chain guide channel, the latching mechanism comprising a latch aperture sized and configured to accommodate the passage of the chain therethrough, and further comprising a chain engagement element operable to selectably engage the chain; and a latch set device mounted adjacent the at least one detent, wherein the chain drive assembly is operably coupled to the latching mechanism and wherein a portion of the chain is positioned within and in axial alignment with the chain guide channel, wherein the at least one detent is operable to engage the latching mechanism when the latching mechanism is positioned in alignment with the detent and wherein positioning of the latching mechanism in the detent is operable to disengage the chain from the chain engagement element.

13. The invention of claim 12 wherein the latch set device comprises an actuator operably coupled to a push arm operable to exert force on a surface of the latch mechanism in opposition to a biasing force imparted by the latching mechanism.

14. The invention of claim 12 comprising plural vehicle platforms.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] For the purposes of illustration, there are forms shown in the drawings that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0024] FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of a sliding platform system containing two platforms in their leftmost position operating over three parking spaces in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 2 is an elevated perspective view of a sliding platform system containing two platforms in their rightmost position operating over three parking spaces in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 3 is an elevated perspective view of a sliding platform system containing two platforms in their outermost positions operating over three parking spaces in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 4 is an elevated perspective view of a chain drive assembly motor, sprockets, chain and chain guide channel in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a channel and detents formed therein in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 6 is a an elevated perspective view of platforms showing platform rollers aligned along a guide rail in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 7 is an bottom perspective view of the underside of a platform of a sliding platform system depicting platform rollers and a latch mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of detail A of FIG. 7 depicting a latch assembly mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIGS. 8A-8E depict, respectively, an elevated perspective view (FIG. 8A), a side view (FIG. 8B), a front view (FIG. 8C), a top plan view (FIG. 8D) and a cross-sectional view (FIG. 8E, taken along line D-D of FIG. 8D) of a latch mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 9 is a frontal cutaway view of a sliding platform system showing a drive chain, latch mechanism and latch set device in relation to a platform and chain guide channel in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 9A is a magnified view of detail B of FIG. 9 showing the drive chain, latch mechanism and latch set device in relation to the platform and chain guide channel in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 9B is a bottom perspective view of FIG. 9A, showing the drive system, latch mechanism and latch set device in the unlatched position holding the platform in place in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0036] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the underside of a sliding platform system showing the drive system, latch mechanism and latch set device in the latched position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the relative sizes of regions or features may be exaggerated for clarity. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0038] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another element, it can be directly coupled or connected to the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly coupled” or “directly connected” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0039] In addition, spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0040] Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

[0041] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0043] Although the systems described herein depict two platforms operating over three parking spaces, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that this depiction is merely exemplary and that any number of platforms can be employed and operated in linear fashion by the systems disclosed herein.

[0044] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the FIGURES. With reference to FIGS. 1-4, in accordance with an embodiment a slide platform system 2 includes a pair of sliding platforms 22 slidably mounted upon front and back guide rails 11 which are mounted on floor 10, a chain guide channel 12 and a chain drive assembly 18. The chain drive assembly includes motor 19, sprockets 20, and drive chain 21. The chain guide channel 12 and chain drive assembly 18 are shown mounted below the top surface of the floor 10, however it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the chain drive channel 12 and chain drive assembly 18 can be mounted in other locations, such as upon a support structure, etc. FIG. 1 shows the two platforms 22 in the leftmost position. FIG. 2 shows both platforms 22 moved to the rightmost position. Both platforms 22 may be moved simultaneously from a leftmost position to a rightmost position or vice versa, or individually. By way of example and not limitation, FIG. 3 shows one platform 22 returned to its original leftmost position as shown in FIG. 1 while the second platform remains in its rightmost position.

[0045] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the number of platforms 22 that can be employed in the system 2 is only limited by space and equipment constraints. In some embodiments the system 2 may include from one to ten platforms 22. In other embodiments the system 2 may include more than ten platforms 22.

[0046] With reference to FIG. 4, the chain drive assembly includes a motor 19, sprockets 20 and a drive chain 21. The distance between the sprockets 20, the length of the drive chain 21 and the length of the chain guide channel 12 will be determined by the number of platforms 22 being used in a given system 2.

[0047] The motor 19 may be any suitable motor such as but not limited to an electric motor, hydraulic motor, or the like suitable to operate the drive chain 21 coupled thereto. For example, and not by way of limitation, the motor 19 may be a variable speed electric motor of sufficient size to allow the platforms 22 to be moved rapidly in either direction while controlling acceleration and deceleration.

[0048] The chain guide channel 12 is positioned adjacent a rail 11 at one end of a platform 22 or series of platforms 22. In some embodiments a chain guide channel 12 may be positioned adjacent a rail 11 at each end of the platform or platforms 22. The drive chain 21 is positioned within and in axial alignment with the chain guide channel 12. As further described hereinbelow, the drive chain 12 is routed through one or more latch mechanisms which depend from the platform(s) 22 and are slidably coupled to the chain guide channel 12.

[0049] Now referring to FIG. 5, the chain guide channel 12 includes detents 13 formed therein to receive a latch mechanism extending from a platform, as described in further detail hereinbelow. The chain guide channel 12 may include several detents 13 to accommodate either a single latch mechanism on a single platform, to provide locking positions for the platform, and/or to accommodate the latch mechanisms of plural platforms.

[0050] With reference to FIG. 6, two platforms 22 are shown positioned adjacent each other on rail 11. The platform 22 on the left is shown with ramp 36 while the platform 22 on the right is shown with a ramp removed to reveal support bracket 37 to which are mounted rollers 38. With further reference to FIG. 7, support brackets 37 supporting rollers 38 are positioned proximal each end of platform 22. The rollers 38 are configured and operable to be positioned on the rails 11 to enable the platform 22 to glide along the rail.

[0051] With further reference to FIG. 7A, a latch mechanism 26 is coupled to support bracket 37 for example via a fastening device such as but not limited to one or more latch mount brackets 25. The latch mechanism 26 is shown in the unlatched, or extended position. In some embodiments the latch mechanism 26 is oriented such that it is extendible approximately orthogonal to the plane of the platform.

[0052] FIGS. 8A-8E show the latch mechanism 26 in the unlatched, or extended, position. The latch mechanism 26 includes an upper body 27 which as shown in FIG. 7A is fixed relative to the support bracket 37, and a plunger 31 which is movable reciprocally relative to the upper body 27 and which contains chain engagement teeth 32. The plunger 31 is sized and configured to engage a detent 13 of the chain guide channel 12. In one embodiment the plunger 31 is a generally U-shaped element having a pin 30 slidably engaged in a slot 28 formed in the upper body 27. A biasing element 40 positioned in an interior of the upper body 27 provides resistance against vertical or upward movement of the plunger 31. The upper body 27 serves as a support and/or attachment point for the latch mechanism 26 to be coupled to the latch mount bracket 25, the plunger 31, and the chain engagement teeth 32 which, when raised, engage the drive chain 21 and cause the platform 22 to move. The latch mechanism 26 includes latch aperture 33 which is sized and configured to accommodate the passage therethrough of drive chain 21. In the latched position, the chain engagement teeth 32 are operable to engage the drive chain 21. In the unlatched position, the chain engagement teeth 32 cannot engage the drive chain 21, and the drive chain 21 is able to move through the latch aperture 33 without moving the latch mechanism and hence, the platform 22.

[0053] The plunger 31, being spring-loaded, remains in a biased position in the chain guide channel 12 due to force imparted against the plunger 31 by a wall of the chain guide channel 12 until it is positioned in axial alignment with a detent 13. This design enables the latch mechanism 26 to slide freely within the chain guide channel 12 until it is positioned in alignment with the detent 12, at which point the biasing force is removed and the plunger 31 extends into the detent 13 sufficiently to lock the platform 22 in a desired position. The movement of the plunger 31 into the detent 13 also serves to disengage the chain engagement teeth 32 from the drive chain 21, permitting drive chain to operate to move an adjacent platform while preventing movement of the platform associated with the latching mechanism engaged in the detent.

[0054] Now referring to FIGS. 9 and 9A a latch set device 14 is positioned adjacent each of the detents 13. The latch set device 14 is operable to set the latch mechanism 26, that is, to move the plunger 31 from the extended, or unlatched, position, in which the drive chain is disengaged from the chain engagement teeth and the plunger is seated in the detent 13, to the unextended position. The latch set device 14 may be any suitable device such as but not limited to an actuator or a solenoid 15 operably coupled to a push arm 17 pivotably mounted to an arm pivot 16. The solenoid or actuator may be coupled to a switch, remote control or the like, via a wired or wireless connection, as is well-known in the art. FIG. 9 shows the latch mechanism 26 in position on mounting bracket 37 with the drive chain 21 passing through the latch aperture 33 of latch mechanism 26. Plunger 31 is positioned in detent 13 in the chain guide channel 12. FIG. 9A shows the chain engagement teeth 32, when in the lowered position, extend through the detent 13 and are below the bottom of the chain guide channel 12, allowing the drive chain 21 to travel freely through the latch aperture 33, thereby operating without being able to move or otherwise affecting the associated platform 22. With further reference to FIG. 9B, the actuator 15 of the latch set device 14 is operable to urge push arm 17, which pivots against arm pivot 16 and urges the plunger in to a latched, or unextended, position. With further reference to FIG. 10, the latch set device 14 has urged push arm 17 such that the plunger 31 has moved to the latched position, allowing engagement with the drive chain 21. As soon as the drive chain 21, engaged to the chain engagement teeth 32, moves, the movement causes the plunger 31 to slide in the chain guide channel 12, and the plunger 31 is held in the engaged position until it reaches the next detent 13 in the chain guide channel 12.

[0055] Although the devices and systems of the present disclosure have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, the present disclosure is not limited thereby. Indeed, the exemplary embodiments are implementations of the disclosed systems and methods are provided for illustrative and non-limitative purposes. Changes, modifications, enhancements and/or refinements to the disclosed systems and methods may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, such changes, modifications, enhancements and/or refinements are encompassed within the scope of the present invention.