Patent Publication Number: US-9428927-B2

Title: Pre-fabricated module for multi-dwelling housing units

Description:
The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/019,544 filed on Jul. 1, 2014. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to amenities modules for multi-dwelling housing units. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pre-fabricated module to rapidly install kitchen and bathroom amenities into multi-dwelling housing units. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Traditionally, construction of multi-dwelling housing units, including apartments, condominiums, and hotels, can be costly, time consuming and difficult to maintain quality control. Various tradesmen are required to be on site to provide services to ensure an appropriate quality control when crafting a living space. Sometimes due to miscommunication or misreading of blueprints, mistakes can be made with where the utilities align between floors or for the layout of the floors. Thus, leading to time delays and monetary setbacks for construction. These traditional multi-dwelling housing units are typically built onsite such that the plumbing and heating ventilation and cooling systems determine the arrangement of the various floor plans for dwellings throughout the building. 
     The present invention is a pre-fabricated module for multi-dwelling housing units designed which allows for flexible floor plans, as well as for consistent access points for utilities. The present invention is able to be inserted into dwellings and provides the dwelling with several amenities including a kitchen, a bathroom, and in some embodiments a sleeping space. The modular nature of the present invention allows for units to be pre-constructed and inserted into a multi-dwelling housing unit as the rooms are being constructed to save time and money in comparison to onsite construction. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of present invention where the amenities module is mounted to the housing unit. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the amenities module. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the amenities module detailing the preferred embodiment of the kitchen. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the amenities module through the line A-A in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the amenities module through the line B-B in  FIG. 3 , detailing the bathroom of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the amenities module showing an embodiment including a laundry closet with a washing machine and dryer. 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram detailing the housing unit of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram detailing the general flow of water through the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram detailing the electrical connections of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view for an alternate embodiment of the present invention including a fold-down bed, a hide-away table, and a safety railing. 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of the amenities module through the line A-A in  FIG. 3 , showing the fluid communication of the HVAC system. 
     
    
    
     DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION 
     All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     The present invention is a pre-fabricated module for multi-dwelling housing units. The present invention allows for a decreased construction time for the multi-dwelling housing units by providing the pre-fabricated module which can be readily installed into the multi-dwelling housing units. The prefabricated module is constructed offsite. When the prefabricated module is installed, the prefabricated module is simply inserted into the multi-dwelling housing units and connected to the multi-dwelling housing unit through utility connections. 
     In accordance to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the present invention comprises a housing unit  1 , an amenities module  2 , a plurality of quick-connect couplings  3 , and a quick-connect electrical coupling  4 . The housing unit  1  is a single unit within an apartment, a hotel, a condominium, or another similar housing building. The amenities module  2  provides the tenant with access to utilities, including water, electric, etc., as well as other amenities for cooking, managing personal hygiene, sleeping, and storage. The housing unit  1  comprises an electric source  5 , a water source  6 , and a sewage outlet  7 , shown in  FIG. 7 , as well as an at least one wall  8 , and a floor  9 . The electric source  5  is an electric access point to provide the amenities module  2  with electricity from a local power grid. The water source  6  provides access to clean water throughout the amenities module  2 . The sewage outlet  7  allows for the disposal of waste water and other fluid waste into a local sewage system. The at least one wall  8  is a vertical structural support, which supports other housing units above the housing unit  1  as well as dividing adjacent housing units on the same level. The floor  9  is a horizontal structural support which supports the amenities module  2  as well as additional furniture a tenant places into the housing unit  1 . The plurality of quick-connect couplings  3  and the quick-connect electrical coupling  4  allow the amenities module  2  to be rapidly connected to the electric source  5 , the water source  6 , and the sewage outlet  7  of the housing unit  1 . 
     The amenities module  2  comprises a kitchen  10 , a bathroom  11 , and an enclosure  12 . The kitchen  10  allows access to cooking, refrigeration, and storage appliances. The bathroom  11  provides access to bathing, disposing of human waste, and other hygiene facilities. The enclosure  12  delineates the physical boundaries of the amenities module  2 . The enclosure  12  comprises a base  13 , a ceiling  14 , at least one solid lateral face  15 , and at least one open lateral face  16 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The base  13  is horizontal a support structure which the kitchen  10  and the bathroom  11  are supported. The at least one solid lateral face  15  supports the ceiling  14  and allows for the plurality of quick-connect couplings  3  and the quick-connect electrical coupling  4  to be housed within. The ceiling  14  is connected to the at least one solid lateral face  15  and is positioned opposite to the base  13 . The ceiling  14  provides space for the housing of lighting and ventilation as well as supporting the weight of storage and/or tenant in some embodiments. The kitchen  10  is peripherally positioned to the at least one open lateral face  16 , between the base  13  and the ceiling  14 , such that the kitchen  10  is easily accessible to tenants from within the housing unit  1 . The bathroom  11  is internally positioned to the enclosure  12 , between the base  13  and the ceiling  14 , to provide privacy to the tenant during use, as shown in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 . 
     Further, the amenities module  2  is structurally connected to the housing unit  1  through the at least one solid lateral face  15 . The amenities module  2  is connected to the water source  6  and the sewage outlet  7  through the plurality of quick-connect couplings  3 . The amenities module  2  is electrically connected to the electric source  5  through the quick-connect electrical coupling  4 . The plurality of quick-connect couplings  3  comprises a water inlet coupling  28  and a sewage coupling  29  which respectively connect the amenities module  2  to the water source  6  and the sewage outlet  7 , respectively. 
     In accordance to the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the kitchen  10  comprises a refrigerator  17 , a kitchen sink  18 , a microwave  19 , a counter  20 , a backing  21 , and a plurality of cabinets  22 . The refrigerator  17  keeps food at a low temperature slightly above freezing in order to preserve the food longer. The kitchen sink  18  allows for water access and waste water disposal. The microwave  19  allows the user to cook a plurality of food quickly and efficiently. The counter  20  is a support which allows the user to prepare food and support small appliances, such as toasters, coffee makers, blenders, etc. The backing  21  is a vertical support which the plurality of cabinets  22  is supported. The backing  21  is perpendicularly mounted to the base  13 . The plurality of cabinets  22  allows for storage of utensils, cookware, and tableware. The plurality of cabinets  22  comprises a plurality of upper cabinets  23  and a plurality of lower cabinets  24 . The plurality of upper cabinets  23  allows for overhead storage of generally light weight items, while the plurality of lower cabinets  24  allows for storage of heavier items. 
     In accordance to the preferred embodiment of the kitchen  10 , the plurality of upper cabinets  23  is mounted to the backing  21 , adjacently positioned to the ceiling  14 , in order to secure the plurality of upper cabinets  23  to the amenities module  2 . The plurality of lower cabinets  24  is adjacently mounted to the backing  21  and the base  13  to secure the plurality of lower cabinets  24  within the amenities module  2 . The counter  20  is positioned between the plurality of lower cabinets  24  and the plurality of upper cabinets  23  and adjacently mounted to the plurality of lower cabinets  24  in order to provide a stable surface for preparing food and supporting small appliances. The kitchen sink  18  is integrated into the counter  20  in order to allow for sufficient space which tableware and cookware may be placed for cleaning. The microwave  19  is mounted to the plurality of upper cabinets  23 , opposite of the ceiling  14 , in order to secure the microwave  19 , as well as being suspended above the counter  20  allowing for unhindered space on the counter  20 . 
     In order to have water flowing to the refrigerator  17  and the kitchen sink  18  for operation, the water source  6  is in fluid communication with the refrigerator  17  and the kitchen sink  18  through the water inlet coupling  28 , in accordance to  FIG. 8 . Thus, allowing the refrigerator  17  to produce ice or dispense water and allowing the kitchen sink  18  to dispense water such that the tenant is able to wash their hands and have easy access to water to prepare food. The kitchen sink  18  is in fluid communication with the sewage outlet  7  through the sewage coupling  29 , in order to remove excess and waste water. Similarly, the refrigerator  17  and the microwave  19  require electricity to operate; therefore, the refrigerator  17  and the microwave  19  are electrically connected to the electric source  5  through the quick-connect electrical coupling  4  to provide the refrigerator  17  and the microwave  19  with electricity, as detailed in  FIG. 9 . In some embodiments of the present invention, waste water is filtered through a filtration unit and recycled in order to conserve fresh water. 
     In accordance to  FIG. 3 , the preferred embodiment of the kitchen  10  further comprises a dishwasher  25 . The dishwasher  25  allows the user to clean tableware and cookware quickly and efficiently. The dishwasher  25  is mounted to the base  13  and positioned between the base  13  and the counter  20  to secure the dishwasher  25  to the amenities module  2  for convenient access. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the water source  6  is in fluid communication with the dishwasher  25  through the water inlet coupling  28  in order for the dishwasher  25  to draw water for washing and rinsing tableware and cookware. The dishwasher  25  is also in fluid communication with the sewage outlet  7  through the sewage coupling  29  in order to discharge the waste water from dishwasher  25 . The dishwasher  25  is electrically connected to the electric source  5  through the quick-connect electrical coupling  4  in order to power a pump within the dishwasher  25  as well as a control panel for operation of the dishwasher  25  as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     In the preferred embodiment of the kitchen  10  and  FIG. 3 , the kitchen  10  further comprises an oven  26 . The oven  26  allows the tenant to heat and cook food for consumption. The oven  26  is mounted to the base  13  and positioned between the base  13  and the counter  20 , in order to secure the oven  26  within the amenities module  2  for convenient access. In accordance to  FIG. 9 , the oven  26  is electrically connected to the electric source  5  through the quick-connect electrical coupling  4  in order to power a control panel for operation, as well as a heating element within electric models. In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a natural gas source and a quick-connect natural gas coupler. Then the oven  26  is in fluid communication to the natural gas source through the quick-connect natural gas coupler in order to receive natural gas for operation of the natural gas model. 
     In the preferred embodiment of the kitchen  10  and  FIG. 3 , the kitchen  10  further comprises a garbage disposal  27 . The garbage disposal  27  grinds food waste into particles which are more readily disposed through the sewage system. The garbage disposal  27  is mounted within a cabinet of the plurality of lower cabinets  24  and positioned in between the kitchen sink  18  and the base  13 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the kitchen sink  18  is in fluid communication with the garbage disposal  27  such that the waste water and food waste flow from the kitchen sink  18  into the garbage disposal  27 . The garbage disposal  27  is in fluid communication with the sewage outlet  7  through the sewage coupling  29 , where the waste water and food waste are discharged into the local sewage system. Thus, the kitchen sink  18  is in fluid communication with the sewage outlet  7  through the garbage disposal  27 . The garbage disposal  27  is electrically connected to the electric source  5  through the quick-connect electrical coupling  4  in order to provide electricity to the garbage disposal  27 , in accordance to  FIG. 9 . 
     In the preferred embodiment of the kitchen  10 , the kitchen  10  further comprises a water heater  30 , as detailed in  FIG. 3 . The water heater  30  can heat water on demand as the kitchen sink  18  is dispensing water to save energy in comparison to having a hot water tank which stores water at a particular temperature at all times. The water heater  30  is mounted within a cabinet of the plurality of lower cabinets  24  and positioned between the kitchen sink  18  and the base  13 , such that it is hidden by the plurality of lower cabinets  24 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the water source  6  is in fluid communication with the water heater  30  through the water inlet coupling  28 . The water heater  30  is in fluid communication with the kitchen sink  18 , such that the water outlet of the water heater  30  flows into the kitchen sink  18 . In accordance to  FIG. 9 , the water heater  30  is electrically connected to the electric source  5  through the quick-connect electrical coupling  4  in order to provide electricity for a heating element that transfers heat into water passing through the water heater  30 . 
     In accordance to the preferred embodiment of the kitchen  10  and  FIG. 10 , the kitchen  10  further comprises a hide-away table  31 . The hide-away table  31  provides additional counter  20  space for the tenant to prepare meals. The hide-away table  31  is integrated into the plurality of lower cabinets  24 . The hide-away table  31  is able to be pulled out from the plurality of lower cabinets  24  for use but hidden within the plurality of lower cabinet when the hide-away table  31  is not in use. 
     In the simplest embodiment, the kitchen  10  comprises the refrigerator  17 , the kitchen sink  18 , the microwave  19 , the counter  20 , the backing  21 , and the plurality of cabinets  22 . In different embodiments, the present invention further comprises the dishwasher  25 , the oven  26 , the garbage disposal  27 , the water heater  30 , the hide-away table  31 , and combinations thereof. 
     In accordance to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bathroom  11  comprises a light  32 , a fan  33 , a shower  34 , a toilet  35 , a bathroom sink  36 , a vent  37 , a bathroom sink cabinet  38 , and a storage cabinet  39 , as shown in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 . The light  32  illuminates the bathroom  11 . The fan  33  facilitates air flow through the bathroom  11  and into the vent  37 . The shower  34  provides a means for tenants to maintain personal hygiene. The shower  34  is a standing shower; however, in some embodiments, the shower  34  can include a tub such that a tenant can lounge while bathing or easily bathe a child or pet. The toilet  35  allows the tenant to discharge human waste into the local sewage system. The bathroom sink  36  allows the tenant to wash their hands and to facilitate additional personal hygiene. The vent  37  allows for air circulation through the enclosure  12  through implementation of the fan  33 . The bathroom sink cabinet  38  supports the bathroom sink  36  and provides a storage space for toiletries. The storage cabinet  39  allows for the storage of linens, larger toiletries, and grooming products. 
     In accordance to the preferred embodiment of the bathroom  11 , the shower  34 , the toilet  35 , the bathroom sink cabinet  38 , and the storage cabinet  39  are mounted to the base  13 . The bathroom sink  36  is mounted to the bathroom sink cabinet  38 , oppositely positioned to the base  13 . Detailed in  FIG. 8 , the water source  6  is in fluid communication with the shower  34 , the toilet  35 , and the bathroom sink  36  through the water inlet coupling  28  such that clean water is pumped to the shower  34 , the toilet  35 , and the bathroom sink  36 . The shower  34 , the toilet  35  and the bathroom sink  36  are in fluid connection with the sewage outlet  7  through the sewage coupling  29  in order to discharge waste water into the local sewage system. 
     For efficient air circulation and maximum illumination throughout the bathroom  11 , the vent  37 , the fan  33  and the light  32  are integrated into the ceiling  14 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The fan  33  is adjacently mounted to the vent  37  in order to pass air from the bathroom  11  into the vent  37 . The light  32  and the fan  33  are electrically connected to the electric source  5  through the quick-connect electrical coupling  4  such that the light  32  and the fan  33  are provided with electricity to illuminate the light  32  and power the fan  33 , in accordance to  FIG. 9 . 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, the present invention comprises a fold-down bed  40 , shown in  FIG. 10 . The fold-down bed  40  is hingedly and externally mounted to the enclosure  12 , adjacent to the base  13 . The fold-down bed  40  saves space by being positioned vertically when not in use. However, the fold-down bed  40  can be pulled down such that the fold-down bed  40  is positioned perpendicular to the at least one solid lateral face  15  when the tenant wishes to sleep. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, the present invention comprises a loft  41  and a ladder  49  in accordance to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 10 . The loft  41  is an area suitable for storage or sleeping. The ladder  49  allows the tenant to access the loft  41  easily. The ladder  49  is stored within the enclosure  12  and removed from and placed adjacent to the enclosure  12  for use. The loft  41  externally positioned across the ceiling  14  opposite to the base  13 . In some embodiments of the present invention, the present invention comprises a safety railing  42 , detailed in  FIG. 10 . The safety railing  42  is perimetrically mounted about the loft  41  in order to prevent a tenant from falling from the loft  41  while asleep. 
     In accordance to some embodiments of the present invention, the present invention further comprises a laundry closet  43  as shown in  FIG. 6 . The laundry closet  43  comprises a washing machine  44  and a dryer  45 . The washing machine  44  allows the tenant to conveniently wash garments within the housing unit  1 . The dryer  45  allows tenants to dry garments after being washed or otherwise wet. The laundry closet  43  is integrated into the enclosure  12  between the base  13  and the ceiling  14 . The washing machine  44  and dryer  45  are internally positioned within the laundry closet  43  such that they are easily accessible to the tenant for use. In accordance to  FIG. 8 , the water source  6  is in fluid communication with the washing machine  44  through the water inlet coupling  28  such that clean water is pumped into the washing machine  44  in order to wash the tenant&#39;s garments. The washing machine  44  is in fluid communication with the sewage outlet  7  through the sewage coupling  29  such that the waste water from the washing machine  44  is disposed into the local sewage system. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the washing machine  44  and the dryer  45  are electrically connected to the electric source  5  through the quick-connect electrical coupling  4  in order to provide electricity for the washing machine  44  and the dryer  45  to function. 
     Further in accordance to the preferred embodiment of the present invention and  FIG. 11 , the present invention comprises a heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) system  46  to adjust the temperature within the housing unit  1 . The HVAC system  46  is integrated into the enclosure  12  in order to circulate air from around the housing unit  1  and within the enclosure  12 . The HVAC system  46  is in fluid communication with the kitchen  10  and the bathroom  11  in order to force air into the surrounding area of the enclosure  12  from the after conditioning the air to the tenants preference. The HVAC system  46  is electrically connected to the electric source  5  through quick-connect electrical coupling  4  in order to power the HVAC unit to condition and force air through the HVAC system  46 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     In accordance to the preferred embodiment, the present invention further comprises a utility monitor and controller  47 , shown in  FIG. 6 . The utility monitor and controller  47  assesses the usage of water and electricity by the housing unit  1  and monitors the temperature of the surround atmosphere to the housing unit  1 . The utility monitor and controller  47  is mounted about the enclosure  12  such that it is easily accessible to the tenant. In accordance to  FIG. 9 , the utility monitor is electrically connected with the HVAC system  46  in order to receive a user input set point, or the desired temperature, which the HVAC system  46  seeks to achieve when heating or cooling the ambient air. In some embodiments, the utility monitor and controller  47  comprises a communications module, which allows the tenant or a landlord to remotely lock and unlock the housing unit  1 , as well as a speaker and intercom such that the tenant is able to communicate to the entrance to the multi-dwelling housing unit  1  and to the landlord. 
     For safety, the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a sprinkler system  48 , shown in  FIG. 4 . The sprinkler system  48  is a fire emergency system which discharges water in the event  37  of a fire to assist in controlling or extinguishing the fire. The sprinkler system  48  is integrated into the ceiling  14  in order to be able to disperse water over an extensive area. In accordance to  FIG. 8 , the water source  6  is in fluid communication with the sprinkler system  48  through the water inlet coupling  28  such that water is discharged from the sprinkler system  48  into the enclosure  12 . 
     Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.