Sofa-bed-counter unit

STATEMENT OF CONTINUING APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,189, filed Apr. 27, 1998, entitled “Modular Living Quarters”, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/769,139, filed Dec. 18, 1996 issued Apr. 28, 1998 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,742,956, entitled “Modular Bathroom Unit”.

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 modular bathroom unit, and includes a bottom cushion which may be raised to access a storage area, with the back spaced from the wall of the structure to provide a storage area for clothing.

The rear back rest of the sofa is affixed end brackets to allow for the pulling forward and rotation of the back rest to provide a horizontal support, to form part of a bed in front of and in line with the sofa seat pad. The second sofa 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.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a modular bathroom system which is relatively comfortable, durable, sanitary, and easily maintained and implemented.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular bathroom system which provides a commode, lavatory, and shower in a relatively small footprint, yet providing a spacious accommodation to the user.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a tilting lavatory wherein there is provided a drain conduit quick dis-connect/re-connect, providing an automatic, secure, odor-free drain connection, which is automatically implemented upon lowering of the lavatory to the horizontal use position, and disengaged upon lifting of the lavatory to the storage/non-use position.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular living system which may be secured to a tractor trailer, providing living, sleeping, and bathroom facilities.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a modular bathroom facility which includes a lavatory facility which provides a full-sized bathroom sink when needed, yet is storable in an upright position, providing access to shower and toilet facilities.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a unique rollbar/conduit system for providing protected water and electrical about a modular living compartment, wherein the rollbar encases major electrical and water conduits.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a hinged lavatory unit including a built-in roll paper holder for facilitating ease of dispensing, while providing a dry, compartmented storage area, enclosing the paper sufficiently for preventing contact with water.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a sofa or sofa-bed system which comprises first and second sofas facing one another in spaced relationship, the sofas configured to provide for the back rests of each sofa to pull forward and rotate to provide a continuous, horizontal bed surface.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide 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.

Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a modular living system which can accommodate three or more people, providing sleeping, living, kitchen and toilet facilities, in a footprint area of, for example, 8′×8′.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are given like reference numerals, and wherein:

FIG. 1

is an isometric, partially cut-away view of the preferred embodiment of the modular bathroom system of the present invention, illustrating various components of the invention.

FIG. 2

a

is a frontal, cut-away view of the invention of

FIG. 1

, illustrating the movement of the lavatory unit from the horizontal, use position to the vertical, storage position, with the drain conduit shown in phantom.

FIG. 2

b

is a top, cut-away view of the invention of

FIG. 1

, illustrating the placement of the lavatory unit in its use position relative to the commode and shower drain.

FIG. 3

is a top view of the door of the invention of

FIG. 1

, illustrating the side edge door seals for preventing the leakage of water therethrough.

FIG. 4

is a side, cross-sectional view of the door of the invention of

FIG. 3

, illustrating the bottom door seal for preventing the leakage of water therethrough.

FIG. 5

is a side, cross-sectional view of the door of the invention of

FIG. 4

, illustrating the door in a slightly open position, and the relationship of the door seal thereto.

FIG. 6

is an isometric, partially cut-away view illustrating the layout of an exemplary living unit which includes the modular bathroom unit of the present invention, particularly configured for placement behind the cab of a tractor/trailer vehicle.

FIG. 7

is an isometric view of an exemplary rollbar configuration, which rollbar is configured to further provide a conduit for the passage of electrical and water pipes therethrough.

FIG. 8

is an isometric, partially cut-away view of the invention of

FIG. 6

, illustrating the living area converted from the bedding configuration to the dining configuration, with the table in phantom, and seat belts along the bench seats.

FIG. 9

is an end view of the dining/sleeping area of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the placement and configuration of the preferred table and first and second sofas forming the bed, with the first sofa convertible to form a counter.

FIG. 10

is an end view of the invention of

FIG. 9

, illustrating the first sofa converted to form a counter/work area.

FIG. 11

is an end view of the invention of

FIG. 10

, illustrating the rear cushion of the first sofa being further rotated, via end brackets, in the process of forming a bed.

FIG. 12

is an end view of the invention of

FIG. 11

, illustrating the rear cushion of the first sofa positioned in generally horizontally aligned fashion with the seat cushion of the first sofa, forming same into a bed, with the counter surface situated thereunder.

FIG. 13

is an end view of the invention of

FIG. 12

, illustrating the rear cushion of the second sofa positioned, via end brackets, in generally horizontally aligned fashion with the seat cushion of the second sofa, fully forming the bed of the present invention.

FIG. 14

is a frontal view of the second sofa of the present invention, illustrating the pivotal connection of the seat cushion so as to allow for the lifting thereof to access a storage area thereunder.

FIG. 15

is an upper, isometric view of the counter of the sofa of

FIG. 10

, illustrating the interface of a rear corner of the counter with a corner stop.

FIG. 16

is an end view of the dining/sleeping area of the invention of

FIG. 9

, illustrating the placement and configuration of the preferred table and first and second sofas, with first and second users situated thereupon, respectively.

FIG. 17

is an isometric view of an exemplary support bracket for the table of

FIG. 9

, for retaining the table to the ceiling of the modular living quarters of the present invention.

FIG. 18

is an isometric view of the table of the present invention, illustrating the disengagement of the support bracket, and pivoting of same, to position the table from storage position to use position.

FIG. 19

is a side view of the table of

FIG. 18

, illustrating the table in a vertical position, with the user telescopically extending the rear support bracket downward, to position the table from storage position to use position.

FIG. 20

is an isometric view of the first sofa of the present invention illustrating the pivotal lifting of the seat cushion to reveal a storage area underneath, as well as the placement of the kitchen area thereto.

FIG. 21

is an isometric view of the rear engagement bracket of the table of the invention.

FIG. 22

is a bottom view of the table of

FIG. 19

, illustrating the support leg in its deployed position.

FIG. 23

is an isometric view of the first sofa of

FIG. 10

illustrating the position of the sofa relative to the kitchen unit, and the positioning of the backrest from the counter position to the bed position.

FIG. 24

is an end view of an alternative embodiment of the table of the dining/sleeping area of the invention, illustrating an alternative counter support arrangment in the storage position.

FIG. 25

is a top view of the alternative embodiment of

FIG. 24

, wherein the counter is in the deployed position.

DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to

FIG. 1

of the drawings, the bathroom unit

1

of the modular bathroom system

2

of the present invention includes first

3

and second

4

walls, each said wall having first

10

,

12

and second

11

,

13

edges, respectively, said first and second walls joined at said first edges to form a corner

14

.

In the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, a door

5

is formed in the second wall

4

, although said door could be as easily formed in other walls with like results. As shown, the door includes a door knob, or other latch means for retaining the door in a closed position.

Continuing with

FIG. 1

, a lavatory unit

6

is shown, having a sink

7

disposed therein, the lavatory unit having first

8

and second

9

ends, the first end

8

pivotally joined to the second wall

4

via hinge member

15

, while the first end

8

rests upon drain box

20

.

The lavatory unit

6

has front

16

and rear

17

edges, the rear

17

edge juxtaposed first wall

3

, the front

16

edge in an open area, the front edge further having formed therein, between the sink

7

and second end

9

, a paper compartment

25

, configured to hold and dispense a roll of toilet paper

26

therein. A flat table surface

62

may be provided adjacent to the sink

7

, for placement of toiletries, etc. during use.

The hinge

15

supporting the second end

9

of lavatory unit

6

is spaced

18

above the floor

21

so as to provide comfortable use to a standing user, and is spaced to retain the second end

9

of the lavatory unit

6

at a height about equal to the top of the drain box

20

.

As shown, the hinge connection of lavatory unit allows the lavatory to be lifted

27

by the second end

9

, pivoting the unit from a horizontal, use position, to a vertical, storage position. More features of the lavatory unit will be discussed infra.

Continuing with

FIG. 1

, the floor

21

has formed to slope

23

to a drain

22

, positioned for draining shower water, as well as cleaning the unit.

Situated generally adjacent to the first wall

3

is a commode

24

, which can comprise a recreational vehicle-type toilet, or a standard toilet, configured to provide a relatively low profile, under the lavatory unit

6

, and is positioned to provide unencumbered use with the lavatory in the vertical storage position.

Also shown is a shower unit

28

, which may be positioned on the first

3

wall, or another wall with equally satisfactory results, and a lavatory water faucet

50

, which may have hot and cold water controls, and should be positioned upon the wall, outside of the swing arc of the lavatory unit so as not to incumber pivotal movement thereof. In the alternative, the faucet

50

may be built into the lavatory unit, and connected to the water supply by flexible hose or the like, or the shower unit

28

may be on a hose, to allow use as a faucet for the sink and sprayer for washing dishes and the like. Further, the water faucet

50

may be able to pivot to swing out of the way, and may be controlled by the shower water control knobs, with a selector switch for shower or faucet.

Also situated above the lavatory unit in the present, exemplary embodiment of the invention, is a mirror

29

, which may also contain a medicine cabinet.

Situated along the inside edge

31

of the door

5

is a splash guard

32

, configured to keep water spray within the room, especially when the shower is in operation. The bottom edge

33

of the door is situated above the floor

21

, via spacer

34

, to prevent water leakage therethrough.

Further, as shown in

FIG. 4

, the bottom

33

of door

5

interfaces a lip

35

to further seal the door to prevent liquid therethrough, allowing for unhindered opening, as shown in

FIG. 5

, when desired.

Referring to

FIG. 3

, the door

5

includes an outside edge

36

, and inside edge

31

, an outside

37

, and an inside

38

. Provided along the outside edge of the door, emanating from the outside

38

is a second splash guard

39

, preventing the migration of water between the door

5

and wall

40

, and working in conjunction with splash guard

32

, situated along the opposing edge, along the inside of the door, to prevent the passage of water therethrough.

Referring now to

FIG. 2B

, formed generally adjacent to the first end

8

of the lavatory unit

6

of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention a drain

41

, with the sink

7

sloping

70

towards said drain

41

. As shown, the shower

28

could, as an alternative embodiment of the present invention, function as a sink for the faucet, either as a fixed unit, or via hose connection.

As shown in

FIG. 2A

, emanating with the underside

42

of the sink

6

from the drain

41

is a male drain piece configured to communicate with a female drain coupling

44

originating a drain conduit

45

formed in the drain box

20

, the coupling of the male drain piece with the female drain coupling taking place when in the lavatory unit

6

is in the horizontal use position

48

. The drain conduit

45

may include, as shown, a pea trap

46

for preventing the emission of fumes from the dirty water, which may be piped to sewerage, or may be tanked in a storage tank under the present unit.

As further illustrated in

FIG. 2A

, the lavatory

6

, may be raised

49

, as earlier discussed, so as to pivot the hinge

15

, raising the first end of the lavatory unit

6

′ (in phantom) to a vertical storage position

47

. To retain the lavatory unit in the vertical, storage position, the hinge may be configured to provide resistance, or there may be provided a latch, strap, or any number of other retaining means already known and used in the art.

The arc

27

′ or the pivot motion of the lavatory unit is illustrated in phantom, so as so indicate the appropriate positioning of, for example, the faucet

50

, so as not to block the raising or of the lavatory unit. As earlier indicated, the faucet can be made to rotate so as to be adjustable outside of the arc of the pivot motion of the lavatory unit, as desired. As earlier indicated, the valves

52

controlling the shower head might also, if desired, be switchable via switch

52

to control the faucet, as desired, or the faucet might have its own controls.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modular bathroom system of the present invention is a fiberglass structure fashioned from a mold utilizing conventional fiberglass fabrication methods. An example of the present invention would have outside measurements as follows: ##, and would weigh, fully equipped, about ## lbs.

Preferably, the present system would also include a heater/vent unit in the ceiling, with exhaust to the outside, and may include a sun dome which could be opened, for providing light and ventilation in situations where electricity would be unavailable.

The commode unit could comprise a stand-alone, chemical toilet, which would not require a water source or separate septic tank, or it could comprise a conventional toilet unit, with a conventional floor toilet hookup and seal, with either septic hookups exterior the unit, or a septic tank built under the floor. Likewise, a grey water tank or outside drain hookups may be provided, as desired, for the drain water from the lavatory or floor/shower drain.

Similarly, an exterior water supply hookup may be provided, and/or a water tank may be build into the floor of the unit, as desired; such designs already exist in the art, and are commonly found in boats, recreational vehicles, campers, and the like.

FIG. 6

illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention, comprising a living modular living unit

53

including the bathroom unit

1

of the present invention. As shown, the sink

6

′ is shown in its upright, vertical storage position

47

, exposing the male drain piece

43

′, which is configured to interface with the drain conduit

45

of the drain box

20

, as earlier discussed.

As further shown, the modular living area is configured to provide a small footprint, for example, 8′×8′, such that it might be placed upon, for example, behind a tractor-trailer cab., the modular living unit further providing a kitchen area

54

, and a bunk/dining/living area

55

, the system configured to provide a comfortable, sanitary, relatively roomy, and versatile living system, when compared to other prior art systems.

An emergency escape panel or door

61

may be provided to allow for occupants an alternative exit in the event of fire, assault, or other emergency situation.

Referring to

FIG. 7

, the present invention may have built into its side walls

60

and ceiling

59

a rollbar

56

or steel conduit or the like, rectilinear or cylindrical, the rollbar configured to encase electrical

57

and water conduits

58

, providing enhanced protection and structural integrity for the modular building unit, as well as increased protection for the electrical and water from outside interference. While

FIG. 7

illustrates a steel cage construction, this is by no means required of the present embodiment, and the rollbar/conduit arrangement can be utilized with most any construction, including fiberglass, forming a single, unitary structure, or foam core, etc.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention of the modular living system, the floor, side walls

60

and ceiling

59

may be fabricated of, for example, material such as inner and outer sheets of aluminum having foam or other insulation juxtaposed therebetween. Alternatively, the sidewalls, ceiling, and floor may be fabricated of, for example, molded fiberglass or plywood; again, insulation would be desirable.

Referring to

FIG. 9

, the dining/sleeper/living area of the present invention comprises first

101

and second

102

sofas facing in spaced relationship

103

, having a retractable table T therebetween when desired.

Each sofa

101

,

102

is supported by a base unit

104

,

104

′, respectively, which offers storage space therein, as will be more fully discussed infra. Each sofa

101

,

102

includes a seat

105

,

107

and back

106

,

108

respectively, each back and seat having opposing first

109

,

111

and second ends

110

,

112

, the backs

106

,

108

having a front face

113

,

115

, a back face

114

,

116

, a top

117

, and a bottom

118

.

Situated at the opposing ends

109

,

110

and

111

,

112

of sofas

101

,

102

respectively are support brackets B, B′, each support bracket comprising first

119

and second

120

bracket members, each bracket member

119

,

120

having first

121

,

121

′, and second

122

,

122

′ ends, which are pivotally connected

124

,

124

′ and

125

,

125

′ to connector members

150

,

152

respectively. Situated between the first and second ends of said bracket members

119

,

120

are medial areas

123

,

123

′, each having a bend

126

,

126

, respectively, each bend in the general direction of the seat in the seating configuration, shown. As shown, connector members

150

,

152

are affixed to the opposing ends of back

106

and seat

105

, respectively.

Continuing with

FIG. 9

, back connection member

150

has upper

155

and lower

156

ends, while seat connection member

152

includes forward

153

and rear

154

ends; the first end

121

′ of second bracket member

120

is pivotally connected to connection member

150

at said lower end

156

, while the second end

122

′ of second bracket member

120

is pivotally connected to connection member

152

at said forward end

153

, while the first end

121

of first bracket member

119

is pivotally connected to connection member

150

as said upper end

155

, while the second end

122

of the first bracket member

119

is pivotally connected to connection member

152

at said rear end

154

.

The opposing ends of first

105

and second

107

sofa seats include front

128

,

128

′ and rear

127

,

127

′ portions, the rear portion of each end having emanating therefrom pivotal connectors

129

,

129

′ configured to engage support brackets

148

,

148

′, (

149

′ in

FIG. 20

) or adjoining side walls, as shown in

FIGS. 14 and 20

, to allow a user to lift

149

,

150

the sofa seat S, S′,. As further shown, a drawer

151

or other door may be provided for storage, in addition to the lifting seat cushion, as desired.

Continuing with

FIGS. 9 and 10

, the back

106

of first sofa

101

is configured to be pivoted

136

,

136

′,

137

,

137

′ forward

130

via brackets B into a generally horizontal position, such that a counter

131

, pivotally

132

affixed to the rear

114

,

118

of back

106

via piano hinge

132

or the like near the bottom

118

, forming a raised

138

, planar support surface.

As shown, the hinged connection of counter

131

to the back

106

allows for the counter

131

to be positioned

131

and manipulated

134

as necessary during positioning of the back

106

to allow for a relatively tight clearance between the seat back and the wall

135

when in the seating position.

Referring to

FIGS. 10 and 15

, a rear corner

139

of the counter

131

may be configured to engage a stop

140

affixed to the wall

135

or adjacent fixture, to stabilize the counter

131

in its horizontal position; a lifting of the frontal portion

157

of the counter would disengage the counter with the stop, allowing for pulling forward

141

of the back, as shown in

FIG. 11

, while rotating the back counter clockwise via pivoting

143

,

143

′,

142

,

142

′ of bracket, so that, with further pulling forward

144

, the back is positioned for use as a bed, as shown in

FIG. 12

, with the back

106

now in generally horizontal position; the counter, now under the back, may be manipulated

145

via the hinged connection to place same in horizontal to allow for the back rest of the second sofa to be placed next.

As shown in

FIGS. 9 and 13

, the back cushion of the second sofa may be pulled forward

146

and rotated in like manner to that of the first sofa, to allow the back to form a bed pad which fills the empty space between the seat of the second sofa and the horizontally situated back of the first sofa, forming a bed

147

.

While it is shown that the present invention comprises the combination of the two sofas knocked down to form a single, relatively large bed (which may be full, queen size, or larger), it is noted that either of the sofa units may be utilized individually to form a single bed, as necessary or desirable.

Further, it is noted that a bunk may be provided along the end wall of the unit above the dining area, comprising a fold down unit mounted to the wall and supported via cable, chain, or the like, providing sleeping room for several users.

Continuing with

FIGS. 16-19

, the table T of the preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a stable, relatively large work/dining area supported in a comfortable and unobtrusive manner, providing ample leg

179

room above the seats.

As shown, the table T includes a main, table planar support member

169

having a top

170

and an underside

171

, a first end

172

adjacent to wall

174

, a second end

173

distal to wall

174

, a floor

176

engaging leg

176

supporting the second end

173

of the table, and first

177

and second

178

upper support members suspended from ceiling

192

, and supporting the first end

172

of table T.

Aligned with the edge forming the first end

172

of table T is retaining rod

182

having first and second ends emanating from each side of the table, the retaining rod fixedly engaged to the underside of the table via holding members

183

,

183

′, respectively, each end further providing a spacing length emanating from the table, the spacing lengths

185

,

185

′ situated in generally aligned fashion with the longitudinal axis

211

of the table, each end terminating in an engagement bend

184

,

184

′ in general parallel alignment with the length of rod situated between the spacing length

185

,

185

′, (continuing with

FIGS. 16

,

19

, and

21

, so as to allow for the engagement of engagement bends

184

,

184

′ with retaining clips

180

,

181

affixed to the wall, respectively, anchoring the first end of the table to the wall when the table is deployed in the use position U.

Continuing with

FIGS. 16-19

, pivotally attached

186

,

186

′ to said retaining rod, at opposing ends emanating from the underside of the table, are the first

177

and second

178

upper support members, respectively, each upper support member further comprising first

187

and second

188

telescoping pieces forming the upper support members, each support member further having first

189

and second

190

ends, the first end of each support member pivotally connected

191

,

191

′ to the ceiling

192

, respectively, as shown in

FIG. 17

, via bracket

193

affixed to the ceiling

192

of the unit, said bracket including a pivotally connected

195

engagement tab

194

having formed therein an aperture

212

configured to allow the passage of engagement rod end

184

″.

Continuing with

FIG. 22

, the leg

196

supporting the second end

173

of table includes first

197

and second

198

legs, the first

197

end pivotally

199

connected to the underside

171

of table via bracket

200

, the second end configured to engage the floor in use. Situated in the medial area

201

of leg is a brace

202

member, pivotally

207

connected to the leg at its first end, with the second end

204

of brace biased toward the underside

171

of the table via spring

203

, the second end engaging engagement bracket

205

when the leg is deployed to anchor same in place.

The table is easily and securely stored in an unobtrusive position flush with the ceiling of the unit; the procedure for placing the storage is relatively straightforward, as will be shown.

First, the brace

202

is removed

208

from the engagement bracket

205

, and the leg

196

is urged

206

toward and over the engagement bracket

205

, enveloping same and aligning the leg with the underside of the table.

Next, continuing with

FIG. 19

, the second end

173

of the table is lifted until the table is in a generally vertical position; this lifting of the table disengages the engagement ends

184

from the end securing stops

180

,

181

, freeing the first end of the table from engagement with the wall. Next, the upward pressure

210

is applied to the table to lift same, retracting the telescopic upper support members

177

,

178

, until the second end

173

of the table almost engages the ceiling

192

.

Referring to

FIG. 18

, the first end

172

of the table is then lifted

211

towards the ceiling, pivoting the first end via pivotal connections

191

,

191

′, until the first end is adjacent to the ceiling.

Lastly, referring to

FIG. 17

, each end of retaining rod

182

, which forms an engagement end

184

″ is set to engage with engagement tab

194

, by passing the aperture

212

formed in engagement tab through the rod end, securing same to the ceiling.

The table is thereby placed in storage flush with the ceiling, in an almost unnoticeable position; the preferred embodiment of the present invention further contemplates a table top which matches the ceiling design, so as to further camouflage the table in the storage position.

Deploying the table in the use position is simple, and merely accomplishing the above steps in reverse.

Like the modular bathroom system, the modular living system of the present invention may comprise electrical hookups, battery backup, a small generator, solar power, wind generator, or any number of power supply means already known and practiced in the art. The preferred embodiment of the present invention, configured to be mounted to a tractor/trailer unit, could receive power from the tractor's alternator as primary, and utilize a small generator when the tractor is off. Also, air conditioning/heating may be provided by the tractor, or a conventional roof mounted unit could be implemented.

Further, water and septic and grey water hookups, supplies and/or storage may be implemented, as is known. Also, LP or the like may be provided for heating, kitchen stove and/or oven, and even powering a refrigeration unit, as desired. Under the floor of the modular living unit, a storage area could be provided, which could include a separate LP service compartment, which would be sealed from the inside of the compartment and adjacent storage facility, the LP service compartment ideally having a separate exterior access.

With the advent or cellular telephones, laptop computers, and other miniature electronics and devices, the modular living unit of the present invention, properly equipped, could provide most of the comforts and conveniences of home, allowing the user(s) to work more efficiently, comfortably, and satisfactorily.

The invention embodiments herein described are done so in detail for exemplary purposes only, and may be subject to many different variations in design, structure, application and operation methodology. Thus, the detailed disclosures therein should be interpreted in an illustrative, exemplary manner, and not in a limited sense.

Continuing with

FIGS. 24 and 25

, an alternative to the counter arrangment illustrated in

FIG. 9

is shown, wherein the counter

300

has first

301

and second

302

ends, a front edge

303

, a rear edge

304

, a top

305

, and a bottom

306

. As shown, the counter has mounted under the front edge

303

a support pin

307

which slidingly engages an aperture

308

formed in the wall

309

to support the front edge of the counter, at the first

301

end. Likewise, there may be provided a similar, second, support pin/aperture arrangment at the second

302

end of the counter, if there is a wall or other support for the support pin to engage.

Continuing with the figures, the rear edge

304

of the counter

300

is supported at its first and second ends

301

,

302

, via a separate pivotal support

310

affixed to each respective ends of the counter, each support

310

having a spacer

311

communicating with a roller

312

, which roller is slidingly engaged to its own vertical support track

313

having upper

314

and lower

315

ends, the upper end

314

having a right angled support extension

316

to support roller, and thereby counter, when the counter is in the horizontal support position, as shown in FIG.

24

.

Continuing with

FIGS. 24 and 25

, when the counter of the present alternative embodiment is not in use, the user may disengage the support pin

307

from the aperture

308

, and pivot

317

the counter into a generally vertical position, and lower

317

′ the counter (with the rear edge

304

down and the front edge

303

up), such that the counter

303

is stowed in vertical fashion between the seat back

318

and rear wall

319

. When the counter

300

is lowered

317

′ as aforesaid, the roller

312

slides from the supporting position at the right angled support extension

316

, and slides down support track, to the lower end of same.

To deploy the counter, the user merely lifts same from behind the seat back

318

, pivots the unit such that the front edge

303

is in the frontal position with the counter in a generally horizontal configuration, engages the support pin

307

with its respective aperture

308

, engage the other support pin at the other end of the counter, where available, while making sure that the roller

312

is engaged in the right angled support extension

316

.