Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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COVERED PARKING STRUCTURE ADJUSTABLE SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTOR
HOLDER AND PARKING LOT THEREOF
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This PCT Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial
No.
61/377,441, titled "Covered Parking Structure Adjustable Solar Energy
Collector, Kit For Same,
and Parking Lot Thereof," filed on August 26, 2010, which is incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD
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
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.
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, cause structural problems (e.g., roof
structural integrity
problems).
Figure la 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 Figure 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.
Referring now to prior art Figure lb, 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 Figure
lb 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
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number 102b. The pedestal is connected to a surface of a parking lot at
reference numeral 104b.
A problem with the design shown at reference numeral 100b is that a large
moment 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.
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.
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
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.
Figures la-lb depict prior art parking lot coverings.
Figures 2a-2b show orthogonal views of an exemplary implementation of a pair
of solar
energy collectors installed over a surface of a parking lot;
Figures 3a through 3d show different perspective views of an exemplary
implementation
of a pedestal mounted solar energy collector holder;
Figures 3f and 3f are respective top and bottom planar views of a pedestal,
solar energy
collector holder and parking lot subsurface pedestal assembly seen in Figures
3a through 3e, with
Figure 3e showing a solar panel for the collection of solar energy being held
by the holder;
Figures 4a and 4b show orthogonal elevational views of an exemplary
implementation of
a mounted pedestal and solar energy collector holder assembly;
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Figure 5 shows a side elevational view of an exemplary implementation of two
energy
collecting parking space covering assemblies;
Figure 6 shows a partial exploded perspective view of parts of an exemplary
implementation of a covered parking structure with an adjustable holder for an
solar energy
collector;
Figure 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;
HI Figure 7b shows another partial view of the structure seen in Figure
7a in an unfolded
position thereof for use during the collection of solar energy, with folded
position thereof
partially shown in lighter weight lines.
Figures 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 Figures 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.
Figure 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
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 build 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.
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
Figures 8a-8d, can be
removably connected to the second opposing surface of the planar frame. The
knuckle, when
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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 Figures 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
Figures 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 Figures 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 Figures
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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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.
The structure can shipped to a 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.
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.
In sum, a prefabricated parking cover structure that integrates solar
collection or
Photovoltaic (PV) panels can assembled from a kit that 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.
Referring now to the Figures, Figure 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
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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.
Figure 2a shows two such pedestals and corresponding solar energy collector
holders in a
view that depicts the front of four parked cars. Figure 2b shows a different
view of the four
parked cars from a 90 degree difference with respect to Figure 2a. As such,
only two of the four
parked cars are illustrated in Figure 2b. Figure 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
Figure 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.
Figure 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
Figure 2a, Figure 2b is a 90 degree variation view of Figure 2a, where Figure
2b is a side
elevational view of Figure 2A from an orthogonal perspective.
Figures 3a through 3d show different perspective views, and Figures 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.
Figure 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
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of the pedestal, a mounting column embedded within the parking lot surface
where the pedestal
attaches to the parking lot surface. Figure 3b is a perspective from a
different view of Figure 3a,
and similarly shows an elevational perspective view. Figure 3c, like Figures
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.
Figure 3d is an
inverse, (upside down) perspective view of the pedestal holder and subsurface
parking lot
pedestal seen in Figures 3a through 3c. Figure 3e is a top planner view of the
assembly seen in
Figures 3a-3d and Figure 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 Figures 3a through 3d.
Figure 3f is a bottom planner view of the pedestal, holder and parking lot
subsurface
column assembly seen in Figures 3a-3e. Reference numeral 306 shows the
subsurface column
into which the pedestal 308 is mounted. Figure 302 depicts a portion of the
parking lot surface
into which the column for the pedestal mount is embedded. Figure 304 is the
holder to which the
opposite end of pedestal 308 is connected via an adjustable attachment. Each
embodiment in
Figures 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.
Figure 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.
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.
Attachment device 308a allows pedestal 308 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
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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 Figure 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.
Figures 4a and 4b show 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 414, 416. One of the holders is
shown with
reference numeral 240 which denotes an edge.
Figure 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 540a 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 link 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 504b, a vehicle 540 is shown parked
underneath holder
540b to receive the shade thereof.
Similar attachment devices as described for solar energy collector holder 540b
are found
with holder 540a on the left side of Figure 5.
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
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are seen in Figure 5, will preferably be sufficient for most automobile
heights and sizes, while
also being compliant with regulations providing for drivers having
disabilities.
Figure 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
630 shows 1/4 by 8 inch metal fascia plate. Reference 632 shows a perforated
metal plate.
Reference 634 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
port of the
pedestal to which the holder, seen at reference numeral 604, 602, is attached.
Figure 7a shows a partial view of a solar panel, holder for the solar panel,
and pedestal in
a folded position thereof, whereas Figure 7b shows a partial view in an
unfolded position with
the folded position seen in Figure 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.
Figures 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 Figures
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.
Figure 9 depicts a side elevational view of two assemblies each having a
pedestal and a
holder. References numerals in Figure 9 are as follows:
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.
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.
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 Figure 9, which is calculated as the sine of the
alpha angle times
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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.
A trunnion height 900d, as shown in Figure 9, is the height of the trunnion at
the center
point thereof, by way of example, one point five (1.5) feet.
An additional height 900e is shown in Figure 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.
A pedestal height 900f, as shown in Figure 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.
A pedestal angle 900g, shown in Figure 9, is taken relative to the grade, will
preferably
be between about 54 degrees to about 56 degrees.
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).
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".
As shown in Figure 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 Figures 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 Figures 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 Figures 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
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conditions by attachment of the pedestal to the holder considerably inside the
periphery of the
holder instead of at the periphery of the holder.
The covered parking structure seen in Figure 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.
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.
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