Abstract
A portable dwelling unit comprises a novel floor plan configuration providing a full height bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, and seating area in a portable dwelling that fits within a standard parking spot. Other features and advantages of the present invention include a multi-function table, outdoor dining space, and additional storage capacity beyond what would be available in a traditional trailered dwelling unit.
Claims
1. A portable dwelling having a trailer frame and a wheel well, the portable dwelling comprising: a bathroom area at the rear of the dwelling and a sleeping area above said bathroom area; a set of stairs ascending over one side of the wheel well and descending over another side of the wheel well, providing a first landing area above the wheel well; and said set of stairs further providing access to a bedroom area of the dwelling.
2. The portable dwelling recited in claim 1 wherein the bathroom area occupies a footprint of no more than approximately 60 inches by 80 inches.
3. The portable dwelling as recited in claim 2 wherein the bathroom area has a ceiling height of at least 6 feet 4 inches.
4. The portable dwelling as recited in claim 3 wherein an overall height of a dwelling frame of the portable dwelling is not more than 11 feet 3 inches above a trailer frame of the portable dwelling.
5. The portable dwelling as recited in claim 1 wherein said sleeping area is included within a bedroom and is adjacent to a full height standing area within said bedroom.
6. The portable dwelling as recited in claim 5 wherein said full height standing area is disposed at a mid-level within the portable dwelling.
7. The portable dwelling as recited in claim 6 wherein said mid-level is not more than approximately 4 feet above ground level.
8. The portable dwelling as recited in claim 5 wherein said set of stairs connects said bedroom to said first landing area above the wheel well.
9. The portable dwelling as recited in claim 7 wherein said bathroom is accessible by descending said stairs over said wheel well.
10. The portable dwelling as recited in claim 1 wherein said sleeping area includes a support surface for a mattress.
11. The portable dwelling as recited in claim 10 wherein said support surface for a mattress also serves as a ceiling for said button.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
(2) FIG. 1 is an exterior perspective view of a dwelling unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
(3) FIG. 2 is a floorplan view of an upper level of a dwelling unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
(4) FIG. 3 is a floorplan view of a lower level of a dwelling unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
(5) FIG. 4 is a left side section view of a dwelling unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.
(6) FIG. 5 is a detail section view of a dwelling unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
(7) FIG. 6 is a left side section view of a dwelling unit in accordance with one embodiment of the taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3.
(8) FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the interior of a partially constructed dwelling unit to facilitate understanding of the spatial relationships within the dwelling unit.
(9) FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the interior of a partially constructed dwelling unit to facilitate understanding of the spatial relationships within the dwelling unit.
(10) FIG. 9 is a left side plan view of a dwelling frame showing general dimension of the dwelling unit frame in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
(11) FIG. 10 is a front plan view of a dwelling frame showing general dimension of the dwelling unit frame in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
(12) FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a multi-function table in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
(13) FIG. 12 is a side view of a multi-function table mounted to a pole in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
(14) Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
(15) As is generally shown in FIGS. 1-8, a preferred embodiment of the dwelling unit 10 is depicted. The dwelling unit 10 includes a dwelling frame 120 disposed on a rolling trailer frame 100. The dwelling frame 120 includes a ceiling and roof having a full height region 121 and a reduced height region 122.
(16) Also, and with initial reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the interior of the dwelling 10 includes a multi-purpose seating area 200, a kitchen area 300, a staircase 400, a bathroom 500, a bedroom 600, and a storage closet 700. The bedroom 600 includes a full standing height region 620 adjacent to a sleeping area 610, which is highly advantageous to an occupant who is getting dressed. In addition, the sleeping area 610 is disposed above the bathroom 500 which is unique and also advantageous for reasons described herein. A staircase 400 leads down from the bedroom to a first landing area 410 where the staircase 400 splits and provides access to both the bathroom 500 and the kitchen area 300.
(17) Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, and as can be seen more specifically with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6, the full standing height area 620 of the bedroom 600 is disposed at a mid-level within the dwelling 10, and allows an occupant ample room while getting dressed, changing clothes or hanging clothes, sorting laundry etc. In a preferred embodiment, the total height of the dwelling 10 is between 11 and 12 feet tall. Thus, an average person can enjoy between 5 and 7 feet of headroom when not in the bedroom or bathroom. Conversely, the mid-level floor of the bedroom can be set between 4 and 5 feet above the floor and still provide ample headroom. Accordingly, space is created under the bedroom 600, between the staircase 400 and the opposite wheel well 110 which can be utilized as a closet 700. Given the height of this closet 700 and the available floorspace, it can accommodate a compact laundry machine and/or dryer.
(18) In a preferred embodiment, the sleeping area 610 of the bedroom 600 is disposed over the bathroom 500. A support surface for a mattress also services as a ceiling for the bathroom 400. Additionally, the inventor(s) has found that a queen size mattress is an optimal configuration, not only because the dimensions coincide beautifully with a full size bathroom which is typically 5′×7′ but because it provides adequate sleeping room for two adults and again, fitting a full bathroom within its footprint. Therefore, the sleeping area 610 need not be any larger than a queen size mattress, which leaves as much room as possible in the full height area 620 of the bedroom 600 to serve as a dressing area, office, and any other use that a bedroom may serve. The bedroom 600 may also include a storage unit 630 to serve as a wardrobe and dividing wall from the kitchen 300. The rear face of the storage unit 630 also serves as an ideal surface to mount a television withing the dwelling 10.
(19) Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, and as can be seen more specifically with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6, there is, opposite the kitchen area 300 from the bathroom 500, a multi-purpose seating area 200. In the depicted embodiment the seating area includes a bench 230 which is substantially “C” shaped and includes a central recess 240. The central recess 240 accommodates a multi-function table 210 which is correspondingly shaped and dimensioned to fit within the recess 240. The table 200 is rotatably and slidably mounted to a pole 220. The pole 220 permits the table to rotate between the kitchen area 300 and the seating area 200. When the table 200 is rotated into the kitchen area 300, it can be adjusted to a height to serve as additional counter space in the kitchen 300. When rotated into the seating area 200, the table can be disposed into at least three separate operative positions along the pole 220. At its lowest height, the table 200 is substantially level with the support frame of the bench 230. When supplied with an additional cushion, the table 200 can then serve as an extension of the bench 230 thereby transforming it into a guest bed and/or day bed. The table 200 may also be raised to height to accommodate dining or working in the seating area and, in a third operative position, the table 200 may be placed at its uppermost extreme to open up the available floorspace within the dwelling 10.
(20) As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 and 9, the roof of the dwelling 10 includes a stepped or notched configuration, with a full height region 121 along most of the dwelling frame 120 and a reduced height region 122 at the front of the dwelling 10, over the seating area 200. This configuration provides a mechanical deck 800 in which the typically unsightly mechanical equipment, such as air conditioners, gas tanks, generators, etc., can be incorporated into the dwelling in a manner that is hidden from view.
(21) As shown in FIGS. 2-3, as well as in FIGS. 4-6, at the front of the trailer frame 100 is a trailer A-frame 150, which is a section that enhances stability and facilitates connection to a tow vehicle, but is generally not suitable for building upon as it must remain relatively clear during transport. Accordingly, to make use of this generally unusable and unsightly area, it can support a deployable awning and picnic table. An awning frame 130 can be attached to the trailer A-frame 150, which includes a pivot arm 131. The pivot arm 131 is configurable between a stowed and deployed configuration. One end of the awning is attached to the awning frame 130 while the other is attached to the pivot arm 131. Therefore, the awning can be stowed for transportation and deployed to provide shade. Similarly, the table 140 is pivotably attached to the awning frame 130 and is disposable between an upright, stowed configuration, and an operative configuration.
(22) FIGS. 7 and 8 present perspective views of a partially constructed dwelling such that the relationship between the staircase 400, bathroom 500, and bedroom 600 are more easily ascertainable. As can also be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, virtually every surface in the dwelling 10 is flat, and very few surfaces contain curved edges. Accordingly, most surfaces within the dwelling 10 can be constructed of plywood using readily available tools, which will save time and labor costs, allowing for construction that is quick, efficient, and cost effective. However, for most efficient production a CNC cutting machine, such as a router, will optimize the manufacturing time.
(23) Turning now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a side and front elevation of the dwelling frame 120 is presented along with the general dimensions of a preferred embodiment. The dwelling frame 120 can be constructed of 2×4 material, either wood or metal channels. Although it will be appreciated that affixing the plywood surfaces of the interior to wooden 2×4 material is easier and less expensive, otherwise specialty fasteners, such as self-drilling machine screws would need to be utilized for metal frame construction. As can be seen, the dwelling frame 120 is less than 8 feet wide and approximately 24 feet long (not including the trailer A-frame 150) and can easily be towed on roads. In addition, parking spaces in the U.S. are relatively standard at a recommended footprint of 9 feet wide by 18 feet long. While the entire dwelling 10 will protrude from a standard parking spot, this should not cause a problem because of the minimum standard 24 feet of driveway between rows of perpendicular or “straight in” parking spot dimensions. Angled parking presents even greater space savings and is, therefore, less of a concern. Accordingly, the dwelling unit of the present invention will take up no more space than what is already allocated, per car and inclusive of driveway space, to a standard parking spot.
(24) Additionally, relevant U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines recommend a maximum height of no more than 13.5 feet for the class of vehicles and trailers relevant to the present invention. Depending upon the exact height of the trailer frame 100 used, the dwelling frame 120 should be no more than 12 feet. In a preferred embodiment, the inventor has found that the optimal height of the dwelling frame 120 should be between 11 feet 2 inches and 11 feet 3 inches. This provides the optimal and efficient use of space to achieve the multi-level construction of the interior (providing full height bathroom and bedroom regions) while maintaining an overall height of the dwelling 10 below the relevant regulations.
(25) FIGS. 11 and 12 provide further detail into the construction and operation of the multifunction table 210. As can be seen, a bracket 211 and collar 212 are affixed to the underside of the table 210. The collar 212 is disposed about the pole 220, while the bracket 211 permits a cantilevered configuration of the table away from the pole 220. The collar 212 permits the table 210 to pivot about the pole 220. The collar 212 also includes apertures 213 cross drilled into the collar 212. Corresponding apertures 214 in the pole 220 align with apertures 213 in the collar 212 such that a pin 215 can be disposed through both apertures 213 and 214 to hold the table 210 at the desired height along the pole. The bracket 211 may also be configured to rotate relative to the collar 212 as well, such that a user need not remove the pin 215 in order to pivot the table 210.
(26) Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
