U.S. patent application number 13/819340 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-17 for covered parking structure adjustable solar energy collector holder and parking lot thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ryan W. Grabe, Joseph Herzog, Christopher Neito, Sandra Werthman. Invention is credited to Ryan W. Grabe, Joseph Herzog, Christopher Neito, Sandra Werthman.
Application Number | 20140196387 13/819340 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45724087 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140196387 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Neito; Christopher ; et
al. |
July 17, 2014 |
Covered Parking Structure Adjustable Solar Energy Collector Holder
and Parking Lot Thereof
Abstract
A covered parking structure has a frame with first and second
opposing surfaces. The surface has at least one solar energy
collection panel therein. A device, removably connectable to the
second opposing surface of the frame allows the frame to be
adjusted in two or more axes relative to the vehicle parking lot.
The structure also has a pedestal with first and second opposing
ends. The first end of the pedestal is mountable in a surface of
the vehicle parking lot at one end thereof, and in between, two
adjacent vehicle spaces. The second end of the pedestal is
mountable to the planar frame by the device for adjusting. The
length of the pedestal makes an acute angle with the surface of the
vehicle parking lot such that the pedestal does not interfere with
the opening of doors of automobiles parked in the two adjacent
vehicle spaces.
Inventors: |
Neito; Christopher;
(Phoenix, AZ) ; Herzog; Joseph; (Phoenix, AZ)
; Werthman; Sandra; (Phoenix, AZ) ; Grabe; Ryan
W.; (Phoenix, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Neito; Christopher
Herzog; Joseph
Werthman; Sandra
Grabe; Ryan W. |
Phoenix
Phoenix
Phoenix
Phoenix |
AZ
AZ
AZ
AZ |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
45724087 |
Appl. No.: |
13/819340 |
Filed: |
August 26, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
August 26, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2011/049344 |
371 Date: |
March 27, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61377441 |
Aug 26, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/173.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02S 20/10 20141201;
H02S 20/22 20141201; E04B 1/3416 20130101; E04H 6/025 20130101;
Y02B 10/10 20130101; F24S 30/425 20180501; Y02B 10/20 20130101;
Y02E 10/47 20130101; F24S 25/50 20180501; F24S 25/12 20180501; Y02E
10/50 20130101; E04H 14/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/173.3 |
International
Class: |
E04H 14/00 20060101
E04H014/00; E04H 6/02 20060101 E04H006/02; F24J 2/52 20060101
F24J002/52; E04B 1/34 20060101 E04B001/34 |
Claims
1. A device to shelter a vehicle comprising: a solar panel holder;
an attachment device coupled to the solar panel holder; a pedestal
configured to support the solar panel holder, the pedestal
including a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the
first end coupled to the attachment device, the second end
configured to be removably mounted to a surface; and the attachment
device configured to secure the solar panel holder at an adjustable
angle relative to the surface.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment device is
configured to rotatably adjust the solar panel holder around a
first axis relative to the pedestal.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of a length of
the pedestal defines an acute angle relative to the surface.
4. The device of claim 3, further comprising the acute angle is
approximately 54 degrees.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the second end of the pedestal is
rotatably mountable to the surface such that the pedestal is
rotatable relative to the surface.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the solar panel holder comprises
a substantially planar frame including a first side coupled to the
attachment device, and including a second side opposite the first
side and configured to receive at least one solar panel
element.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein: the substantially planar frame
comprises at least one peripheral edge; and the attachment device
is coupled to the first side at a location that is approximately a
mid-point of the solar panel holder in a first direction relative
to the at least one peripheral edge, and that is approximately
between a mid-point and a point that is two thirds of a distance
from the at least one peripheral edge in a second direction that is
normal to the first direction.
8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a lighting fixture
coupled to the solar panel holder.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the solar panel holder is
configured to fold against the pedestal.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment device is
configured to pivot about a first axis and to rotate about a second
axis to adjust an angular position of the solar panel holder.
11. The device of claim 1, further comprising an electrical
connector coupled to at least one of the solar panel holder and the
pedestal and configured to provide an electrical charge configured
to provide electrical energy captured by solar panel elements
secured by the solar panel holder to an electrical device.
12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a mounting structure
configured to couple to the surface and to the second end of the
pedestal to removably couple the pedestal to the surface.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein: the surface comprises a
vehicle parking lot; the mounting bracket coupled to the vehicle
parking lot at approximately one end of and in between two adjacent
parking spaces.
14. An apparatus comprising: a pedestal including a first end, a
second end distal to the first end, and an elongated body extending
from the first end to the second end; a knuckle device coupled to
the first end, the knuckle device configured to pivot about a first
axis and to rotate about a second axis; and a mounting base coupled
to the second end and configured to be removably mounted to a
surface to secure the pedestal to the surface; and wherein at least
a portion of the elongated body defines an acute angle relative to
the surface.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the second end of the
pedestal is configured to rotate about an axis normal to the
mounting base.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a frame structure
coupled to the knuckle device on and configured to secure one or
more solar energy collection panels and to at least partially
shelter a vehicle.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein: the frame structure
comprises a substantially rectangular structure; and the knuckle
device is coupled to the frame structure at a location that is
halfway between first opposing sides of the frame structure in a
first direction and that is at least one-third of the distance
between second opposing sides of the frame structure in a second
direction.
18. A solar energy collection apparatus comprising: a pedestal
including a first end configured to mount to a surface, a second
end, and a body portion; a frame configured to secure one or more
solar panels; and a knuckle device coupled to the second end of the
pedestal and to the frame, the knuckle device configured to pivot
about a first axis and to rotate about a second axis to adjust an
angle of the frame relative to the pedestal.
19. The solar energy collection apparatus of claim 18, further
comprising an electrical device coupled to the pedestal and
configured to electrically couple to the one or more solar panels
to receive an electrical charge for operation.
20. The solar energy collection apparatus of claim 19, wherein the
electrical device comprises at least one of an advertising display,
an automobile charger apparatus, and a parking meter collection
device configured to collect electronic payment of parking charges.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is a national stage application of PCT
Application No. PCT/US11/49344 filed on Aug. 26, 2011 and entitled
"Covered Parking Structure and Adjustable Solar Energy Collector
Holder and Parking Lot Thereof", which claimed the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/377,441, entitled "Covered Parking
Structure Adjustable Solar Energy Collector Kit for Sale and
Parking Lot Thereof", filed on Aug. 26, 2010, both of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present application is related to solar energy, and is
more particularly related to devices for collecting solar energy,
and is most particularly related to a device for vehicle parking
lot to hold a collector of solar energy.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Energy from the sun is a renewable energy source with no
limitations on supply. Current tax and utility incentives fuel
investment in the solar energy sector. Energy costs are the most
expensive operational cost for many types of facilities. Utility
rates are rising in the USA at seven to ten percent (7%-10%)
annually.
[0004] Devices that harvest solar energy are costly and, as low
density energy collectors, take up a large foot print on an area of
real estate. These devices, when mounted on buildings or other
commercial or residential structures, may cause structural problems
(e.g., roof structural integrity problems).
[0005] FIG. 1a shows a depiction of a prior art parking lot having
a pair of parking spaces each covered by a holder for a solar
energy collector. At reference numeral 100a, a vehicle is shown
parked under one of two solar energy collectors used to cover a
parking space. Each solar energy collector has a pedestal having
opposing ends 102a, 104a. A holder for the solar energy collector
is attached to the pedestal at 102a. The pedestal is connected to
the parking lot surface at reference numeral 104a. As seen from
prior art FIG. 1a, a problem with the pedestal's design is that
interference is caused by the position of the pedestal relative to
the opening and closing of a door of a parked vehicle shown in one
of the parking spaces.
[0006] Referring now to prior art FIG. 1b, a parked vehicle is
shown under a holder for a solar energy collector used to cover the
parking spot of the parked vehicle. Reference numeral 100b shows
two such solar energy collector holders for covering two parking
spaces. A pedestal secures each holder for the solar energy
collector, such as a solar panel. The pedestal in FIG. 1b has
opposing ends 102b, 104b. The holder for the solar energy
collector, such as a solar panel, is attached to the pedestal at
reference numeral 102b. Note that the periphery of the holder for
the solar energy collector is connected to the top end of the
pedestal at reference number 102b. The pedestal is connected to a
surface of a parking lot at reference numeral 104b.
[0007] A problem with the design shown at reference numeral 100b is
that a large movement or torque develops between the pedestal and
the holder, such as may be calculated by multiplying the force of
wind on the holder by a distance between holder's attachment to the
pedestal and the periphery of the holder. As such, high wind
conditions may threaten the integrity with which the pedestal
secures the solar energy collector holder.
[0008] It would be an advantage in the prior art to solve the
problem of a large torque to hold a solar energy collector above a
parked parking lot surface, as well as provide such a parking lot
cover to collect solar energy that does not interfere with the
opening and closing of a car parked underneath the solar energy
collector, and would be robust in high wind conditions as to the
integrity with which a solar energy collector holder shades a
parking lot.
[0009] It would further be an advance in the relevant arts to
harvest solar energy using devices that occupy a foot print of an
area of commercial or residential real estate that does not cause
structural problems, such roofing structural problems, while
allowing automobiles to be parked under such solar energy
harvesting devices without interfering with the opening and closing
of the doors thereof. It would further be an advantage to provide
such devices with installation components such that, when the
devices are installed, removed, and installed elsewhere, the
devices will not be deemed, upon such installation, to be fixtures
of the real estate where the installation is made.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Implementations discussed herein will become more apparent
from the detailed description set forth below when taken in
conjunction with the drawings, in which like elements bear like
reference numerals.
[0011] FIGS. 1a-1b depict prior art parking lot coverings.
[0012] FIGS. 2a-2b show orthogonal views of an exemplary
implementation of a pair of solar energy collectors installed over
a surface of a parking lot;
[0013] FIGS. 3a through 3d show different perspective views of an
exemplary implementation of a pedestal mounted solar energy
collector holder;
[0014] FIGS. 3e and 3f are respective top and bottom planar views
of a pedestal, solar energy collector holder and parking lot
subsurface pedestal assembly seen in FIGS. 3a through 3d, with FIG.
3e showing a solar panel for the collection of solar energy being
held by the holder;
[0015] FIG. 4 shows orthogonal elevational views of an exemplary
implementation of a mounted pedestal and solar energy collector
holder assembly;
[0016] FIG. 5 shows a side elevational view of an exemplary
implementation of two energy collecting parking space covering
assemblies;
[0017] FIG. 6 shows a partial exploded perspective view of parts of
an exemplary implementation of a covered parking structure with an
adjustable holder for a solar energy collector;
[0018] FIG. 7a shows a partial elevational view of an exemplary
implementation of a covered parking structure with an adjustable
holder for a solar energy collector in a folded position thereof,
where the folded position is for shipping and/or transportation to
an installation site of a parking lot;
[0019] FIG. 7b shows another partial view of the structure seen in
FIG. 7a in an unfolded position thereof for use during the
collection of solar energy, with folded position thereof partially
shown in lighter weight lines;
[0020] FIGS. 8c and 8d show orthogonal elevational partial views of
an exemplary implementation of a device that permits a holder for a
solar energy collector to pivot about a top of a pedestal, with
FIGS. 8a and 8b showing, respectively, bottom and top views of a
trunnion, mounted on top of the pedestal, where the trunnion
facilitates, at least in part, the pivot capability of the holder
relative to the pedestal.
[0021] FIG. 9 depicts a side elevational view of an exemplary
implementation of two pedestal and solar energy collector holder
assemblies that provide shade for two (2) automobiles while
collecting solar energy incident on a parking lot on which the
assemblies are removably installed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Various implementations, seen and visually explained herein,
pertain to a removably installed covered parking structure having a
pedestal mounted adjustable holder for a solar energy collector,
and a parking lot having a plurality of the removably installed
covered parking structures. Each covered parking structure can be
built from a kit that is transported, in a folded position thereof,
to a parking lot for assembly and removable installation thereof.
The kit can contain substantially all parts for building the
covered parking structure. When the kit is shipped to the parking
lot, the covered parking structure can be in the folded position
thereof so as to minimize the packaged size of the kit.
[0023] In one implementation, a covered parking structure for a
vehicle parking lot includes a planar frame having first and second
opposing surfaces. The first surface has one or more solar energy
collection panels therein. A structure, such as a knuckle seen in
FIGS. 8a-8d, can be removably connected to the second opposing
surface of the planar frame. The knuckle, when mounted upon a top
end of a pedestal, is for adjusting the attitude or orientation of
the first opposing surface of the planar frame in two of more axes
(e.g.; up to 3 axes) relative to the top end of the pedestal. The
pedestal, for example as seen in FIGS. 5 and 9, has first and
second opposing ends. The first end is mountable in a surface of
the vehicle parking lot as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9. The second end
is mountable to the knuckle. The pedestal and planar frame will
preferably have an acute angle therebetween by adjusting the
mounting position using the knuckle as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9. The
pedestal will preferably be mounted on a surface of a vehicle
parking lot in between and at one end of two vehicle parking
spaces, as shown in FIGS. 2a-2b, 5 and 9, whereby the planar frame
will preferably substantially shade the two vehicle parking spaces,
and such that the planar frame will not substantially interfere
with sunlight incident on adjacent pedestal and planar frame
assemblies that respectively shade other such pairs of vehicle
parking spaces.
[0024] In one implementation, a vehicle parking lot has a plurality
of striped parking spaces. Each pair of adjacent striped parking
spaces includes one (1) covered parking structure as shown in the
Figures. The top of each covered parking structure has a solar
energy collector that is substantially oriented, given the
geographic location and orientation of the parking lot, so as to be
tilted toward the path of the sun's exposure on the parking lot for
the majority of the calendar year. This orientation can be further
adjusted by a meteorological weighing factor for the climate of the
geographic location of the parking lot with respect to the tilt
thereof toward the path of the sun's exposure on the parking lot
for the majority of the calendar year. Stated otherwise, the top of
each covered parking structure can be adjusted so that, for the
most part, during the calendar year, the optimal amount of sun
light is harvested, given likely cloudy conditions that occur
during the calendar year. As such, the panel need not be adjusted
during the calendar year.
[0025] Each covered parking structure, after harvesting sun light
that is transduced into electricity, will include an insulated
conductor to transmit the harvested electricity away from the
covered parking structure. The electricity so harvested and
transmitted can be sold or used.
[0026] As electricity prices rise, tax and utility incentives make
desirable implementations of the covered parking structure
disclosed herein. The efficiency of the harvest can be improved due
to the capability of each parking structure being able to
facilitate different orientations of the solar collection panel
with respect to the path of the sun. Shade during the day is
provided by the structures that take up otherwise un-utilized air
space. Lights, provided on the underside of each parking structure,
can light the parking lot during the night without also lighting
the night sky so as to comply with dark skies ordinances.
[0027] Beside parking lots, other otherwise unutilized air spaces
can be used to harvest solar energy using implementations of the
disclosed pedestal and solar energy collector holder assemblies,
where such unused air spaces are those over walk ways and truck
docks.
[0028] The structure can shipped to an installation site in a kit
that contains substantially all of the parts to build each
structure. The kit can take advantage of the structure's modular
design that makes the structure easy to ship, unfold, and removably
install. The structure can be made with a standardized design that
is prefabricated for quality and consistent performance, thus
making the structure permit-ready as supported by drawings. Each
kit can be fabricated off site so as to cut design and installation
time.
[0029] A variety of electrical devices can be in communication
with, and/or powered by the solar energy collected by, the parking
structure, such as advertising displays, electric automobile
chargers, light emitting diode (LED) lighting for night time, and
parking meter collection devices such as for contact or contactless
payment of parking charges with payment cards and/or cellular
telephones.
[0030] In sum, a prefabricated parking cover structure that
integrates solar collection or Photovoltaic (PV) panels can be
assembled from a kit that is easily shipped to any location for
easy and removable installation at a parking lot. An exemplary
installation may have 100 such structures is a parking lot of 200
parking spaces.
[0031] Referring now to the Figures, FIG. 2a shows two solar energy
collectors installed over a surface of a parking lot. Each solar
energy collector provides cover for two adjacent parking spaces.
Each solar energy collector is oriented relative to the horizon by
way of an adjustment mechanism provided where holder for the solar
energy collector is attached to a top end of a pedestal. The
opposing or bottom end of each pedestal is attached to the surface
of the parking lot. The adjustment mechanism between the pedestal
and the holder for the solar energy collector is adjustable with
respect to the horizon so as to maximize exposure to the rising and
setting sun as well as to prevent substantial interference of sun
rays from adjacent solar panels. A solar panel is mounted on each
solar energy collector holder. Each pedestal, by way of its
installation mount, will preferably be rotatable about a 360 degree
axis that is perpendicular to the parking lot. Also by way of its
installation mount, each pedestal will preferably by removable,
after installation, from the parking lot surface. As such, the
pedestal and its solar energy collector holder will not be deemed a
fixture of the real estate of the parking lot where the assembly
has been installed. Advantageously, the removability of each such
assembly, by way of the pedestal's installation mount, may be
deemed to be a tax advantage in that solar energy collection in the
parking lot will not be deemed to be a capital improvement by way
of the addition of a fixed asset or fixture to the real estate.
[0032] FIG. 2a shows two such pedestals and corresponding solar
energy collector holders in a view that depicts the front of four
parked cars. FIG. 2b shows a different view of the four parked cars
from a 90 degree difference with respect to FIG. 2a. As such, only
two of the four parked cars are illustrated in FIG. 2b. FIG. 2b
demonstrates that the pedestal for each solar energy collector
holder is at an acute angle with respect to the surface of the
parking lot and a normal line to the parking lot. The angular
orientation, as shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2b,
demonstrates that neither parked car has an interference with the
pedestal when opening or closing the doors thereof. Moreover, the
height of each pedestal may be designed to provide adequate
clearance of the height of vehicles that accommodate drivers with
ambulatory disabilities, so as to thereby be compliant with
regulations providing for accessibility to drivers having different
levels of ambulatory capability (e.g., a vehicle height typical a
driver who is confined to a wheel chair). By way of example, the
pedestal can be designed so as to be compliant with regulations
consistent with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) which, at
present, requires a clearance 8 feet and two inches.
[0033] FIG. 2a is a side elevational view of two solar energy
collector holder and pedestal assemblies, each pedestal being
mounted in a surface of a parking lot, each such pedestal
providing, with its solar energy collector holder, coverage for two
parked cars. Similar to FIG. 2a, FIG. 2b is a 90 degree variation
view of FIG. 2a, where FIG. 2b is a side elevational view of FIG.
2a from an orthogonal perspective.
[0034] FIGS. 3a through 3d show different perspective views, and
FIGS. 3e-3f show different planar views, of a pedestal mounted
solar energy collector holder, where the pedestal is mounted to the
solar energy collector holder substantially inside the periphery
thereof. An exemplary implementation of an attachment mechanism
between the pedestal and the solar energy collector holder is such
that the holder can make a 360 degree rotation with respect to an
axis perpendicular to the surface of the parking lot. The
attachment mechanism also facilitates the orientation of the holder
with respect to the pedestal, such that any peripheral edge of the
holder can be raised or lowered with respect to the surface of the
parking lot so that the distance between any edge of the holder and
the parking lot can be at a prescribed distance therebetween.
Stated otherwise, the orientation of the holder with respect to the
pedestal can be changed in each of the x, y and z axis from a
normal to the parking lot surface.
[0035] FIG. 3a shows a perspective elevational view of the pedestal
with the solar energy collector holder mounted thereon, and shows,
below the parking lot surface of the opposing end of the pedestal,
a mounting column embedded within the parking lot surface where the
pedestal attaches to the parking lot surface. FIG. 3b is a
perspective from a different view of FIG. 3a, and similarly shows
an elevational perspective view. FIG. 3c, like FIGS. 3a and 3b, is
an elevational perspective view of the holder, pedestal and parking
lot connection assembly with the column beneath the parking lot
surface into which the pedestal is mounted. FIG. 3d is an inverse,
(upside down) perspective view of the pedestal holder and
subsurface parking lot pedestal seen in FIGS. 3a through 3c. FIG.
3e is a top planner view of the assembly seen in FIGS. 3a-3d and
FIG. 3f. Reference numeral 304 designates a solar panel mounted in
the holder to which the pedestal is secured. Reference numeral 302
denotes a portion of the parking lot surface into which the
opposing end of the pedestal is mounted within a subsurface column
as shown in FIGS. 3a through 3d.
[0036] FIG. 3f is a bottom planner view of the pedestal, holder and
parking lot subsurface column assembly seen in FIGS. 3a-3e.
Reference numeral 308b shows the subsurface column into which the
pedestal 306 is mounted. Reference numeral 302 depicts a portion of
the parking lot surface into which the column for the pedestal
mount is embedded. FIG. 304 is the holder to which the opposite end
of pedestal 306 is connected via an adjustable attachment. Each
embodiment in FIGS. 3a through 3f depicts alternative views of a
parking lot covering used to hold a solar energy collector such
that shade is provided for two parked cars, where the pedestal is
mounted to the parking lot surface approximately where the front of
each car is located, where the cars are parked in contiguous,
parallel parking spaces, and where the pedestal does not interfere
with the opening or closing of the doors of either of the two
contiguous parallel parked cars.
[0037] FIG. 3a shows that holder 304 is secured to pedestal 306 by
a top attachment device 310b, which is secured to a lower
attachment device, 312a. Attachment device 310b allows each
peripheral edge of holder 304 to move up and down with respect to
the parking lot surface as indicated by opposing arrows 310a. Lower
attachment device 312a allows holder 304 to be rotated about axis
312b as indicated by the circular path 312c.
[0038] Pedestal 306 is secured to parking lot surface 302 by
attachment device 308a. Attachment device 308a is secured to an
embedded column 308b within parking lot surface 302. Attachment
device 308a allows pedestal 306 to be rotated about axis 308c in a
circular path indicated by reference numeral 308d.
[0039] Attachment device 308a allows pedestal 306 to be removably
attached to parking lot surface 302 in a relatively low effort
installation and uninstallation procedure. By way of example,
attachment device 308a can be secured to parking lot surface 302 by
way of bolts and nuts, where the bolts are embedded within, and
project above, parking lot surface 302 via column 308b and nuts are
secured to a threaded portion at the upper end of those bolts, and
wherein the bolts can be oriented in a circular pattern such that
the bolts are received through a phalange that is secured to the
bolt via nuts that are threaded onto the bolts. The attachments
seen in FIG. 3a, including attachment devices 310b, 312a, and 308a,
can be any suitable attachment device (or devices) that performs
all or some of the functions as described above.
[0040] FIG. 4 shows orthogonal elevational views of a mounted
pedestal and holder assembly. The pedestals have corresponding
portions 410a, 410b and 412a, 412b. The holders have corresponding
portions 414a, 414b and 418, 416. One of the holders is shown with
reference numeral 420 which denotes an edge.
[0041] FIG. 5 shows a side elevational view of two exemplary
implementations of energy collecting parking space covering
assemblies. Each parking space cover is embedded within parking lot
surface 534. The apparatus by which each parking space covering is
secured to parking lot surface 534 is seen at reference numerals
516, 518 and 530. Each parking spot cover is secured to parking lot
surface 534 via a pedestal. Pedestal 536a is secured to a solar
energy collector holder 540a by attachment mechanism 538a.
Attachment mechanism 538a allows holder 540a to rotate the
periphery thereof in the direction seen by arc 508. Similarly,
pedestal 536b is attached to holder 540b by attachment mechanism
538b. The approximate top of each pedestal 536a, 536b is seen by
phantom line 506, which is approximately 8 feet 2 inches from
parking lot surface 534 as seen by dimensional line 528. The top of
pedestal 536b makes a 36 degree angle with respect to a normal line
to the parking lot surface 534 as seen by arc 526. Arc 524 shows a
90 degree angle to a normal line, which is approximately 6 feet
from the mounting of the pedestal to parking lot surface 534 as
indicated by dimensional line 522. Arc 520 shows an approximate 56
degree angle that the pedestal 536b makes with respect to parking
lot surface 534. When sunlight is incident on holder 540b, a
vehicle 540 is shown parked underneath holder 540b to receive the
shade thereof.
[0042] Similar attachment devices as described for solar energy
collector holder 540b are found with holder 540a on the left side
of FIG. 5.
[0043] Pedestals 536a, 536b can be I-beams or like structures which
are sufficiently rigorous to withstand high winds, seismic
incidences, and other severe natural and man made forces such that
the position of holders 540a, 540b are not moved without extreme
forces. Moreover, pedestals 536a, 536b are preferably dimensioned
and installed with respect to parking lot surface 534 such that
there will be no interference between pedestals 536a, 536b and the
respective door opening and closed positions of automobiles 532,
540. The geometries and proportions, such as are seen in FIG. 5,
will preferably be sufficient for most automobile heights and
sizes, while also being compliant with regulations providing for
drivers having disabilities.
[0044] FIG. 6 shows an exploded perspective view of parts of a
holder for a solar energy collector and a solar energy collector.
At reference numeral 600, a photovoltaic panel is seen at reference
numeral 612. Reference numeral 614 shows a bolt, reference numeral
616 shows a 1/2 inch channel. Reference numeral 618 shows a 1/4
inch by 5 inch metal plate. Reference numeral 620 shows a 5/8 inch
channel that is approximately 6 feet long. Reference numeral 622
shows an inverter used to form a portion of an electrical
connection between the solar panel 612 and wiring attached thereto.
Reference numeral 624 shows a 1/2 inch channel. Reference numeral
628 shows a pair of bolts. Reference numeral 630 shows a channel.
Reference numeral 632 shows 1/4 by 8 inch metal fascia plate.
Reference 634 shows a perforated metal plate. Reference 606 shows
light emitting diode lighting, which is used to light the parking
lot beneath solar panel 612. Reference numeral 610 shows a metal
shell which may form a part of the pedestal to which the holder,
seen at reference numeral 604, 602, is attached.
[0045] FIG. 7a shows a partial view of a solar panel, holder for
the solar panel, and pedestal in a folded position thereof, whereas
FIG. 7b shows a partial view in an unfolded position with the
folded position seen in FIG. 7a depicted by lighter weight lines.
As shown, the holder for the solar panel can be folded for ease of
movement to a parking lot where the assembly is to be
installed.
[0046] FIGS. 8c and 8d show respective orthogonal elevational views
of a device that permits a solar energy collector holder to pivot
about a top of a pedestal, with FIGS. 8a and 8b showing,
respectively, bottom and top views of a trunnion, mounted on the
top of the pedestal, that facilitates, at least in part, the pivot
capability of the holder relative to the pedestal.
[0047] FIG. 9 depicts a side elevational view of two assemblies
each having a pedestal and a holder. References numerals in FIG. 9
are as follows:
[0048] An alpha angle 900a is the preferred most severe roof angle
measured between the pedestal and the holder as tilted therebetween
by a trunnion, which by way of example, can be about ten (10)
degrees.
[0049] A length 900b is on the opposite side of the alpha angle
900a, and is the length from the center of the trunnion connection
to edge of the holder, by way of example, ten point eight (10.8)
feet.
[0050] A rise 900c is created by the alpha angle 900a, and is the
distance risen as a result of the alpha angle 900a as shown in FIG.
9, which is calculated as the sine of the alpha angle times the
length of the opposite the side of the alpha angle, or
900c=Sin(900a)*900b. By way of the example, 900c is approximately
1.88 feet by a calculation of Sin(10 degrees)*10.8 feet.
[0051] A trunnion height 900d, as shown in FIG. 9, is the height of
the trunnion at the center point thereof, by way of example, one
point five (1.5) feet.
[0052] An additional height 900e is shown in FIG. 9 as being
between the grade and the pedestal base, that is, the height that
the pedestal is mounted above the grade which, by way of example,
can be less than one (1) foot.
[0053] A pedestal height 900f, as shown in FIG. 9, is a measure of
a vertical height from a base plate upon which the pedestal is
mounted to the top of the trunnion mounted to the top of the
pedestal, which will preferably be a length that is calculated as
900f=(98/12)+900c-900d-900e. By way of the example, 900f is
approximately 8.54 feet by a calculation of (98/12)+1.88-1.5-0,
which exceeds the current ADA requirement of 8.2 feet.
[0054] A pedestal angle 900g, shown in FIG. 9, is taken relative to
the grade, will preferably be between about 54 degrees to about 56
degrees.
[0055] A pedestal length 900h is the preferred minimum length of
the pedestal, which will preferably be a length that is calculated
as the pedestal height 900f divided by the sine of the pedestal
angle 900g, which is represented as 900h=900f/Sin(900g). By way of
the example, 900h is approximately 10.3 feet by a calculation of
8.55/Sin(56 degrees).
[0056] The height 900i is a measure of the grade to the lowest edge
of the holder. Height 900i can vary based on installation location
conditions, but will preferably be compliant with regulatory
provisions, such as the Americans With Disability Act (ADA)
requires a minimum height clearance of 8' 2''.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 9, each covered parking structure has a
holder that has a substantially square periphery. The top of the
pedestal is mounted to the holder approximately half way between
two opposing sides of the square periphery as shown in FIGS. 2a and
4. The top of the pedestal is mounted to the holder approximately
two thirds distance away from one of the other two opposing sides
of the square periphery as shown in FIGS. 2b, 4, 5, and 9. The
length of the pedestal, in combination with the mounting of the
bottom of the pedestal between two adjacent parking spaces and the
mounting of the top of the pedestal within the square periphery of
the holder, as described above and shown in FIGS. 2a-2b, 4-5, and
9, allow the pedestal to avoid interference with the movement of
outwardly swinging passenger and driver doors of automobiles that
are parked in the two parking spots being shaded from incident
sunlight by the covered parking structure. Moreover, high torque or
moments are lessened in heightened wind conditions by attachment of
the pedestal to the holder considerably inside the periphery of the
holder instead of at the periphery of the holder.
[0058] The covered parking structure seen in FIG. 9 is seen with a
first end of the pedestal being mounted to a surface of a vehicle
parking lot, such as by removable fasteners that, with their
removal, allow the pedestal to be removed from the surface of the
vehicle parking lot. These removable fasteners attach the pedestal
to the surface of the vehicle parking lot in any of a plurality of
positions such that the pedestal defines a substantially conical
shape when swung in a continuous movement through the positions.
The substantially conical shape has a bottom portion thereof that
can corresponds to a circular mounting pattern in a mounting
bracket that, with the fasteners, secures the bottom of the
pedestal to the surface of the vehicle parking lot. As such, the
mounting bracket allows the pedestal to be mounted in different
positions, whereby the top the pedestal can be pointing towards
different areas of the vehicle parking lot.
[0059] The above description of the disclosed implementations is
provided to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to make
or use the disclosure. Various modifications to these
implementations will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be
applied to other implementations without departing from the spirit
or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to
be limited to the implementations shown herein but is to be
accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel
features disclosed herein.
* * * * *