GB2410479A - Motor vehicle turntable - Google Patents

Abstract

The turntable (1) is controllably rotatable to re-orient a vehicle disposed thereon. A support (2) takes a substantially planar upper surface comprising paving. A drive motor (7) may rotate the support (2), preferably acting on a rim (5). The paving may comprise an array of individual paving elements (8), or a continuous paving material, such as tarmacadam, asphalt, concrete or the like.

Description

24 1 0479

MOTOR VEHICLE TURNTABLE

The present invention relates to a device for reorientating a stationary motor vehicle so that it may be driven away in a desired direction. More particularly, but not exclusively, it relates to a turntable to be built into a driveway of a house or the like.

Most motorists prefer to park off the street wherever possible, lowering the risk of both accident and theft. A house with a driveway hence tends to be more valuable than one without, for example.

However, parking on such driveways can still lead to problems. If the vehicle is driven forwardly on to the driveway, it must either leave in reverse, or turn round on the driveway (if that is large enough). Reversing off a driveway onto the public highway can be very unsafe. Backing on to the driveway from the highway is generally the officially approved technique, but it is slower than driving on forwards and many drivers dislike backing up, particularly on to relatively restricted driveways. Turning a car or the like around using a "three point turn" or similar techniques requires a driveway significantly wider than the length of the car, which may not be available.

Attempts have been made in the past to provide turntable arrangements on to which a car may be driven, parked and then turned round so that it can be driven forwardly off the driveway. Some of these have involved aboveground frameworks, while others have comprised circular steel turntables embedded in the driveway.

Neither version has achieved any great acceptance. The above-ground versions constitute an obstacle to other users of the driveway and are not particularly attractive to look at. Steel turntables flush with the driveway may be slippery, particularly when wet. One example of this type has recesses provided to receive the wheels of a car. However, the number of different car wheelbases and tracks that the turntable might have to accommodate would make this impracticable. The steel plate turntables are also not particularly attractive, resembling at best a gigantic manhole cover.

A further problem with such turntable arrangements is that the car must be relatively centrally-placed or balanced on the turntable to allow it to be rotated freely. At the very least, the car must have all its wheels on the turntable before use. However, in dark and/or rainy conditions this may be difficult to achieve.

It is hence an object of the present invention to provide a turntable arrangement that is more compatible than existing turntables with existing driveway arrangements, both practically and aesthetically, while allowing a car or other vehicle to be driven forwards on to and off the driveway. It is also an object of the present invention to provide such a turntable on which a user may more accurately position a vehicle to be turned.

Although the problem to be solved has been stated with reference to cars and the like and to domestic driveways, the present invention may also be of utility for other vehicles and in conjunction with other paved areas.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a turntable controllably rotatable to re-orient a vehicle disposed thereon, comprising support means, a substantially planar upper surface comprising paving means supported thereby and drive means to rotate said support means.

Preferably, said paving means comprises an array of individual paving elements.

Said paving elements may comprise paving stones, flagstones, paving blocks, cobbles or the like.

Alternatively, said paving means may comprise a substantially continuous paving material, such as tarmacadam, asphalt, concrete or the like.

Said substantially continuous paving material may be formed to simulate an array of individual paving elements.

Preferably, the drive means comprises motor means operable to rotate the turntable in a generally horizontal plane.

Advantageously, the motor means comprises electrically-powered motor means.

The motor means may act directly on a axle means of the turntable.

Alternatively, the motor means may act on a circumference of the turntable.

In a preferred embodiment, the turntable is provided with marker light means to indicate its position.

Advantageously, said marker light means may be disposed within the paving means of the turntable, its upper surface substantially flush with the upper surface thereof.

Said marker light means may be disposed to indicate a periphery and/or a centre of the turntable, to aid a driver in parking a vehicle substantially centrally thereon.

Alternatively, the marker light means may be disposed adjacent the turntable, for example disposed within a ground surface adjoining the turntable.

The paving means of the turntable may be provided with individual paving elements incorporating said marker light means.

The paving means of the turntable may comprise a zone or zones of contrasting appearance, for example to indicate a periphery and/or a centre thereof.

Said zone or zones may comprise individual paving elements of a colour or reflectivity contrasting with a remainder of the paving means.

The support means of the turntable may comprise a generally horizontally extending lattice of girder means.

The support means may additionally or alternatively comprise a generally continuous generally horizontally extending metal plate means to support individual paving elements or continuous paving material.

The support means is preferably provided with a plurality of roller or caster means mounted to an underside thereof.

The turntable may be provided with track means, disposable fixedly beneath the rotatable support means, along which said roller means may run.

The motor means may be provided with control means, optionally remote control means.

The control means may be so adapted as to cause the turntable to rotate through approximately half a revolution when operated.

Alternatively or additionally, the control means may be so adapted as to allow rotation of the turntable through any selected angle.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a paved surface adapted to support a vehicle and provided with a turntable as described in the first aspect above, in which an upper surface of the turntable is substantially continuous with the paved surface.

Preferably, the paved surface comprises paving means of substantially the same type as the paving means of the turntable.

The paved surface may have a contrasting appearance to the paving means of the turntable.

The paved surface may be a driveway, for example a driveway of a residential building, factory or office building.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be more particularly described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view, partially in section, of a first turntable embodying the present invention; Figure 2 is a plan view from above of a second turntable embodying the present invention; Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a third turntable embodying the present invention, m position m a driveway; Figure 4 is a crosssectional view taken diametrically across a fourth turntable embodying the present invention; Figure 5 is a plan view of a sub-frame of the turntable shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 is a scrap cross-sectional elevation of a peripheral region of the turntable shown in Figure 4; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a recess in a driveway prepared for installation of a fifth turntable embodying the present invention; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the recess shown in Figure 7 with a subframe of the fifth turntable in place; Figure 9 is a perspective view of part of the recess and subframe shown in Figure 8, with a motor mounted to the subframe; Figure 10 is a plan view of a central part of the subframe shown in Figure 9, showing the mounting of the motor thereto in more detail; and Figure 11 shows, schematically, a variant drive arrangement for turntables embodying the present invention.

Referring now to the Figures, and to Figure 1 in particular, a first turntable I comprises a generally circular steel sub-frame 2 made up from a plurality of radial members 3, connected by two concentrically-disposed rings of transverse members 4. An annular steel strip 5 mounted circumfercntially to the sub-frame 2 forms an outer rim of the turntable 1. A plurality of rollers 6 are mounted to an underside of the sub-frame 2, and an electric motor 7 is mounted to an axle mounted centrally of the sub-frame 2 so that the turntable 1, supported on the rollers 6, may be driven to turn through a desired angle. Figure 5 shows the sub-frame 2 in isolation from the turntable 1.

The sub-frame 2 supports a plurality of paving stones 8, arranged in concentric rings. A variety of sets of paving stones are readily available, configured to be assemblable into decorative circular features for gardens and paved driveways, and these are ideally suited to pave the turntable 1. In this case, however, some selected paving stones 9 of an outermost ring are provided with electric guide lights 10, set into their outer periphery. These guide lights 10 can be illuminated, for example under poor ambient lighting conditions, to allow a driver to locate the turntable 1 and park accurately thereon.

Figure 2 shows a second turntable 11 with an alternative pattern of paving stones 8 comprising three rings of tapered stones and a central circular stone. It is also provided with four guide lights 10 spaced equiangularly around its periphery. A surrounding driveway 12 is in this case paved with similar stones, such that the turntable 11 to a great extent blends in therewith. Apart from the guide lights 10, the sole signs of the presence of the turntable 11 are its steel outer rim 5 and a corresponding circumferential steel strip 13 mounted within the driveway 12. This forms an inner rim of a recess formed in the driveway 12 to receive the

turntable 1 1.

As well as paving stones 8, turntables embodying the present invention can be paved with smaller conventional paving blocks. Again, sets of these are readily available, configured to make up circular decorative features. These blocks are available in a range of different colours, allowing production of turntables 14 such as that represented in Figure 3, which is paved in one colour, say dark grey, blocks, contrasting with a driveway 15 paved with blocks of a second colour, say terracotta. In this case, the guide lights 10 are not shown.

As Figure 3 also shows, the turntables of the present invention are not only usable in driveways of relatively restricted width, but may also be employed as an added decorative feature of larger driveways 15.

A fourth turntable 16 embodying the present invention is shown in crosssection in Figure 4.

This turntable 16 is paved with relatively small paving blocks 17, as is its surrounding driveway 18. Because of the smaller dimensions of these blocks 17, relative to the paving stones 8 of the first turntable 1 of Figure 1, the subframe 2 of that turntable] has been replaced (or augmented) with a substantially continuous steel backing plate 19. The turntable 16 is provided with guide light blocks 20 configured entirely to replace selected peripheral paving blocks 17 and thereby mark the position of the turntable 16.

The surrounding driveway 18 is laid conventionally on a foundation 21 of, for example, gravel and sand, with a circular recess 22 formed to hold the turntable 16. Within the recess 22 are the motor 7 to rotate the turntable 16 and an inner 23 and an outer 24 horizontally disposed annular steel track, along which respective rollers 6 of the turntable 16 run.

As shown in more detail in Figure 6, the tracks 23, 24 are each anchored by a plurality of bolts 25 to respective annular concrete plinths 26. Conveniently, the outer track 24 is formed integrally with the steel strip 13 forming a rim of the recess 22.

Figures 7 to 10 show stages in the installation of a fifth turntable embodying the invention.

In Figure 7, a shallow circular recess 26 has been prepared in a driveway 27, paved with a plurality of small paving blocks 17 (some of which are omitted for clarity). A periphery 28 of the recess 26 is defined by a ring of the small paving blocks 17 (again, some are omitted for clarity). In this case, no circumferential steel strip 13 is fitted to the recess 26 (contrast Figures 2, 4 and 6).

An outer annular concrete track 29 extends around a floor 30 of the recess 26 adjacent its periphery, and an inner annular concrete track 31 is disposed concentrically within the outer track 29. A motor pit 32 is located substantially centrally of the floor 30 of the recess 26.

Figure 8 shows a subframe 33 of the fifth turntable in place in the recess 26. This subframe 33 comprises eight substantially triangular frame sections 34, made from square-section steel tubing, with three bracing struts 35 arranged in a triangle within each frame section 34. The eight frame sections 34 are welded together to form a planar subframe 33, with an annular steel strip 5 extending around its circumference. An octagonal aperture 36 is defined at the centre of the subframe 33 by the frame sections 34. Each frame section 34 is provided with an outer pair of rollers 37 (preferably Viscalite bearings) disposed to rest on the outer concrete track 29 and an inner pair of rollers 38, disposed to rest on the inner concrete track 31. The entire subframe 33 is thus rotatably supported on the tracks 29, 31 by the sixteen pairs of rollers 37, 38.

In Figure 9, a cruciform motor mounting 39 has been welded within the octagonal central aperture 36 of the subframe 33. A motor 7 has been installed within the motor pit 32 and is connected to a centre of the mounting 39. Its control and power lead 40 extends across the floor 30 and is buried beneath the inner concrete track 31 for protection. Thus, when the motor 7 is operated, it turns the entire subframe 33 within the recess 26.

Figure 10 shows the structure of the subtrame 33 around the octagonal central aperture 36 in more detail. A vertical axle extends trom the motor 7 to a centre of an underside of the motor mounting 39 to exert turning torque on the subframe 33.

Figure 9 also shows a representative paving block 17 of these that are to be laid on the subframe 33, once it and the motor 7 are fully installed. A sheet of rigid, durable, water- resistant material (e.g. marine ply or steel) would in this case be placed across the whole subframe 33 to support the relatively small paving blocks 17.

In addition to paving stones, blocks, flags, cobbles and the like, it is also envisaged that such turntables could be surfaced with tarmacadam, concrete or other such roadway surfacing materials, and the general term "paved" herein should be understood as extending to such materials. While these might not have the aesthetic qualities of block-paved turntables, they would still retain the benefits of providing a safe surface on which to stop and to retain a vehicle in position while the turntable is rotated.

Each turntable is dimensioned to fit a desired range of vehicles and/or an available driveway width. For example, a turntable to fit on a smaller domestic driveway might only be large enough to receive a small or mediumsized saloon car, while the turntable 14 shown in Figure 3 could be sized to take so-called "people carriers" or the like. In a non-domestic setting, a turntable as described could be used to align a rear door of a delivery van with a loading bay, for example, and would be sized accordingly.

In each case, a driver would drive a vehicle forwards on to a turntable, using the guide lights 10, 20, the contrast between the turntable and its surroundings or the metal strips 5, 13, as appropriate, to judge when the vehicle is substantially centred on the turntable. The vehicle handbrake is then applied. The motor 7 is then activated, either using a remote control device, or a control panel adjacent the turntable. In a basic version, the turntable will automatically turn through 180 , so that the vehicle can be driven away forwards in the direction from which it arrived. Alternatively, the turntable could be turned through any desired angle, for example to line the vehicle up with a garage that is not conveniently aligned with the driveway.

Sensors may be provided to indicate whether a vehicle is safely balanced in position at or near the centre of the turntable, connected to a system to prevent the turntable rotating when the vehicle is badly positioned. Alternatively, a clutch arrangement may be used that stops rotation of the turntable if significant resistant is encountered. Such a motorised version could be used on a slight slope, given a sufficiently powerful motor.

As well as the motorised versions shown, a manually-rotated version is envisaged, powered by a crank handle through a train of gears. Such a manually rotated version would probably be restricted to smaller turntables, mounted horizontally or very close thereto.

Instead of the motor 7 acting on a central axle, described above, the turntables could be driven by a motor or motors disposed adjacent to the turntable and provided with gears meshing with teeth extending radially outwardly from the outer rim 5 of the turntable, (i.e. making the entire sub-frame 2 a giant cogwheel).

In a further variant, shown in Figure 11, instead of meshing gears, a frictional drive acting on a circumference of the turntable is employed. A motor or motors 7 located immediately outside 7a or inside 7b the circumference of the turntable is provided with a respective horizontal drive wheel 41a, 41b having an outer rim shod with a high-friction material such as a reinforced/filled rubber, which acts on an outer or inner surface respectively of the outer rim 5 of the turntable. The outer rim 5 may be roughened or treated with a coating to aid the frictional grip of the drive wheel 41 a, 41 b.

It is also possible to mount one or more motors to the subframe of the turntable, provided with drive wheels which engage frictionally with a wall or floor of the recess holding the

turntable.

In place of the guide lights 10, 20 shown embedded in the turntable itself, it is also possible to embed similar guide lights in the driveway immediately adjacent the circumferential strip 13.

Brightly-coloured or even reflective paving blocks are known, yellow blocks being used to form permanent "no parking" markings along blockpaved roadway surfaces, for example.

These could be incorporated in the paved turntables of the present invention to mark the periphery and/or the centre of the turntable, particularly in non-domestic applications in which safety takes precedence over aesthetics.

The turntables described above allow a vehicle to be driven forwardly on to a driveway or the like, parked safely, then rotated to face in another direction, especially such that it can drive forwardly off the driveway again. The elimination of reversing movements improves safety, and the turntable arrangement avoids the need to waste valuable garden space on driveways sufficiently wide for three point turns or the like, or for special T-shaped driveways to facilitate such manoeuvring. The paved surface both improves the aesthetic appearance of the turntable, allowing it to be concealed or made a decorative feature as desired, and provides a much safer surface on which to drive, stop and park, than for previous turntable arrangements. The optional guide lights and/or contrasting surface allow the driver to line up the vehicle on the turntable accurately and rapidly.

The invention has been described by way of use with a motor vehicle. However, it would be possible to mount to it a section of patio supporting a seat or even a garden house or pergola.

In these cases, the turntable could be revolved to give the user a preferred aspect, or could be revolved gradually to follow the sun.

Claims (17)

1. A turntable controllably rotatable to re-orient a vehicle disposed thereon, comprising support means, a substantially planar upper surface comprising paving means supported thereby and drive means to rotate said support means.

2. A turntable as claimed in claim 1, wherein said paving means comprises an array of individual paving elements.

3. A turntable as claimed in claim 2, wherein said individual paving elements comprise paving stones, flagstones, paving blocks, cobbles or the like.

4. A turntable as claimed in claim 1, wherein said paving means comprises a substantially continuous paving material, such as tarmacadam, asphalt, concrete or the like.

5. A turntable as claimed in claim 4, wherein said substantially continuous paving material is formed to simulate an array of individual paving elements.

6. A turntable as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive means comprises motor means operable to rotate the turntable in a generally horizontal plane.

7. A turntable as claimed in claim 6, wherein the motor means acts directly on a axle means of the turntable.

8. A turntable as claimed in claim 6, wherein the motor means acts on a circumference

of the turntable.

9. A turntable as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising marker light means to indicate its position.

10. A turntable as claimed in claim 9, wherein said marker light means are disposed within the paving means of the turntable, with an upper surface substantially flush with the upper surface thereof.

11. A turntable as claimed in either claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the marker light means are disposed to indicate a periphery and/or a centre of the turntable, to aid a driver in parking a vehicle substantially centrally thereon.

12. A turntable as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the paving means of the turntable comprises a zone or zones of contrasting appearance, for example to indicate a periphery and/or a centre thereof:

13. A turntable as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support means of the turntable comprises a generally horizontally extending lattice of girder means.

14. A turntable as claimed in claim 13, wherein the support means comprises additionally or alternatively a generally continuous generally horizontally extending metal plate means to support individual paving elements or continuous paving material.

15. A turntable as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support means is provided with a plurality of roller or caster means mounted to an underside thereof.

16. A turntable as claimed in claim 15, further comprising track means, disposable fixedly beneath the rotatable support means, along which said roller means may run.

17. A turntable substantially as described herein with reference to the Figures of the accompanying drawings.