Mobile service block system and method

Abstract

A mobile service block system including prefabricated bathroom, kitchen and other service room units in a single compact and mobile form for installation and use in buildings. The mobile service block system includes a base frame supporting at least one service unit selected from the group comprising bathroom units, kitchen units, laundry units, and closet units, and a displacement mechanism operatively connected to the base frame for displacement of the base frame and of the mobile service block system from one location to another. A method of installing the mobile service block system in a building and a room unit including the mobile service block system are also disclosed.

1 . A mobile service block system comprising:
 a base frame supporting at least one service unit selected from the group comprising bathroom units, kitchen units, laundry units, and closet units; and   a displacement mechanism operatively connected to the base frame for displacement of the base frame and of the mobile service block system from one location to another.   
     
     
         2 . The mobile service block system according to  claim 1 , wherein the base frame supports an integrated bathroom unit, kitchen unit, laundry unit and closet unit. 
     
     
         3 . The mobile service block system according to  claim 2 , wherein the base frame occupies a substantially rectangular footprint, the bathroom unit occupies a first side portion of the rectangular footprint, the laundry unit and the closet unit are in a side-by-side configuration and the kitchen unit is in a back-to-back configuration with respect to the side-by-side configuration of the laundry and closet units, and wherein the kitchen, laundry and closet units occupy a second side portion of the rectangular footprint. 
     
     
         4 . The mobile service block system according to  claim 3 , wherein the substantially rectangular footprint occupies a surface of about 55 ft 2 . 
     
     
         5 . The mobile service block system according to  claim 1 , wherein the base frame comprises FSC-certified wood components. 
     
     
         6 . The mobile service block system according to  claim 1 , further comprising plumbing and electrical connections for connecting the mobile service block system to a plumbing and electrical infrastructure of a building. 
     
     
         7 . The mobile service block system according to  claim 1 , the block system comprising a bathroom unit, the bathroom unit comprising a bathroom sink and a toilet, the toilet being configured to recycle water from the bathroom sink. 
     
     
         8 . The mobile service block system according to  claim 7 , wherein the bathroom unit further comprises an openable glass window for controlling humidity within the bathroom unit. 
     
     
         9 . The mobile service block system according to  claim 1 , wherein the displacement mechanism comprises a plurality of 360° pivotable wheel elements distributed about the base frame, the wheel elements being selectively lockable during operational use of the at least one service unit and unlocked during displacement of the mobile service block system. 
     
     
         10 . The mobile service block system according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one service unit comprises a wall element configured to support an electronic display system mounted on a pivotable and adjustable base on an external face of the mobile service block system. 
     
     
         11 . The mobile service block system according to  claim 1 , the block system comprising a kitchen unit, the kitchen unit comprising a stainless steel counter top with an integrated kitchen sink. 
     
     
         12 . The mobile service block system according to  claim 1 , wherein the mobile service block system is configured to receive energy and water efficient appliances for use within the mobile service block system. 
     
     
         13 . A method of installing a mobile service block system in a building comprising:
 a) prefabricating a mobile service block system as defined in  claim 1  at a manufacturing location;   b) transporting the prefabricated mobile service block system from the manufacturing location to a building location; and   c) connecting the prefabricated mobile service block system to a plumbing and electrical infrastructure of the building.   
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the prefabricated mobile service block system is wrapped in recycled cardboard during the transporting step. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the prefabricating step further comprises a step of storing a plurality of mobile service block systems at the manufacturing location. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 13 , further comprising a step of disassembling and recycling the mobile service block system at an end of an operational life of the mobile service block system. 
     
     
         17 . A room unit comprising a mobile service block system as defined in  claim 1 . 
     
     
         18 . The room unit according to  claim 17 , wherein the mobile service block system is displaceable between a daytime location for operational use during a daytime period and a nighttime location for operational use during a nighttime period.