Horizontally supported planar surfaces – With housing – Surface slidably hinged to housing wall
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-07
2003-08-12
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3679)
Horizontally supported planar surfaces
With housing
Surface slidably hinged to housing wall
C108S035000, C108S048000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06604471
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to portable, space saving living units, and in particular to transportable living quarters configured for maximum comfort and spaciousness, with a relatively small footprint. The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a bathroom unit, kitchen area, and living/sleeping/work/dining area.
In order to enhance the efficiency of the layout of the present invention, a unique sofa/bed arrangement is contemplated, wherein first and second, facing fold-out sofas are provided which are convertible to a single bed, which may be full size or larger. One of the sofas further provides a means to manipulate, via bracketed supports, the sofa back to form a long counter area, which, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, is situated adjacent to the kitchen counter and thereby extends same.
The present invention further contemplates a dining/work table which is configured to be stored along the ceiling of the unit, in a relatively hidden capacity, and easily deployed between the first and second sofas when needed, providing a relatively large, stable work surface.
The bathroom unit of the present invention contemplates a unique drain connection system, wherein the lavatory drain includes a drainpipe connection to a stationary drainpipe built into the wall structure of the unit, the connection accomplished without the requirement of hoses, pipe fittings or the like. Also provided is a shower and toilet facility which may be utilized with no impositions or restrictions on the user, while the interior is configured to be watertight, with a sealed door, and an easily cleaned interior surface.
The present invention may be utilized as a stand alone facility, or may be incorporated into a building or other structure in a temporary or permanent capacity, or in a camper, boat, or modular housing or the like, or any other location where a small, yet fully equipped living quarters is required.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
While the prior art has contemplated numerous and diverse space-saving living quarters, kitchens, bathrooms, and the like, none are believed to teach, contemplate, or otherwise suggest the present invention.
Patents which might be considered at least pertinent with regard to the present invention include:
Patent Number
Inventor
Date of Issue
5261127
Tsipov
11/16/93
5111626
Fortune
05/12/92
4653128
Canalizo
03/31/87
4133057
Rivetti
01/09/79
4110855
Acker
09/05/78
3986218
Mizelle
10/19/76
3800337
Mizelle
04/02/74
3533200
Zoebelein
10/13/70
1360478
Wajtukiewicz
11/30/20
D251,604
Clow
04/17/79
U.S. Pat. No. 4,133,057, issued 1979 teaches a “Toilet Set to be Installed in a Medium Sized Room”, wherein there is provided a combination commode, tilting sink/shower unit, all provided in a nominal area, which functions as a shower stall.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,653,128 issued 1987 contemplates a “Modular Bathroom Unit” teaching a shared plumbing and cabinets.
U.S. Pat. No. Des 251,604 teaches a “Combined Shower Stall and Floor Toilet”.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,127, issued in 1993, teaches a shower stall having a pivoting sink, which is configured to store in a vertical configuration, providing space for utilization of the stall.
U.S. Pat. No. Des 203,253 teaches a “Prefabricated Bath Facility”, wherein there is provided a sink, commode, and shower stall in a single, unitary structure.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,533,200 contemplates a “Prefabricated Room Assembly”, which may be in the form of a stack able, modular bathroom.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,626, issued 1992, teaches a “Self-Contained Modular Unit”, which contains a shower, toilet, lavatory, and sleeping facilities.
With regard to the sofa/bed arrangement, U.S. Pat. No. 3,986,218 teaches a “Reversible Settee-Bed for a Dinette of a Recreational Vehicle”, wherein the back rotates forward to form a bed; however, no provision is made for a counter top support formed from the back in the present invention, and such is not believed to be immediately possible from the design as taught in this patent.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,360,478, 3,800,337, and 4,110,855 teach other sofa-sleepers wherein the backrest is pulled forward and flipped over, via bracketed support, to form a bed.
Thus, while the known prior art has contemplated several, diverse modular housing configurations and embodiments, none appear to have contemplated the unique combination of flexible application with space-saving characteristics, as has been taught and claimed in the present invention.
GENERAL SUMMARY DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION
Unlike the prior art, the preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a comfortable, versatile, sanitary, easy to implement and use, and cost effective modular bathroom unit.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a modular bathroom system configured to provide all of the features of a full-sized bathroom, but in the space of a small closet. The present system may be a one-piece, fiberglass molded unit or the like, and may be installed in a vehicle, such as a commercial freight truck or camper, or may be provided as a modular, portable, stand-alone bathroom for outdoor or indoor use, or may be simply a prefabricated bathroom module for placement in condominiums, warehouses, or any other diverse location where a small, yet full-featured bathroom is desired.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a shower stall unit having therein a commode, sink, and mirror, all arranged so as to provide convenient, unhindered use of each of the features, as desired. The lavatory unit is hinged along one end to the wall, so as to allow lifting of same for storage against the wall, to provide for use of the commode or shower.
A built-in roll paper holder is provided in the lavatory unit for facilitating ease of dispensing, while providing a dry, compartmented storage area, enclosing the paper sufficiently for preventing contact with water during showering, utilization of the lavatory, or like activity.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention further teaches a unique drain connection system, wherein the lavatory drain includes a connect able drainpipe connection to a stationary drainpipe built into the wall structure of the unit, the connection dis-disconnecting upon the lifting of the sink for storage against the wall for showering, utilizing the commode, or other activity, and automatically re-connecting in a watertight, reliable seal upon the placement of the lavatory in the horizontal use position, the connection accomplished without the requirement of hoses, pipe fittings or the like.
The invention further contemplates a modular living compartment, which may include the modular bathroom of the present invention, the exemplary embodiment of the living compartment configured to provide about an 8′×8′ footprint, making it especially useful for utilization as a living quarters mounted to the cab of a tractor-trailer system.
The modular living compartment includes a bathroom as contemplated above, a kitchen unit with refrigerator and stove or microwave, a dining/living area convertible to a sleeping compartment, and other conveniences commonly available in one's home.
The modular living compartment further includes a unique rollbar/conduit system for providing protected water and electrical about the compartment, wherein the rollbar encases major electrical and water conduits.
The living compartment may include an electrical generator, heater, water supply, air conditioning, television, ventilation, and storage.
The living compartment may also include a first entryway, which, when affixed to a tractor trailer, could provide direct access into the cab of the vehicle, as well as a second entryway, which may be in the form of an emergency exit.
In order to enhance the efficiency of the layout of the present invention, a unique sofa/bed arrangement is contemplated, wherein first and second, facing fold-out sofas are provided which are convertible to a single bed, which may be full size or larger. The first sofa is situated adjacent to the modula
Browne Lynne H.
Hewitt James M.
Joseph T Regard Ltd
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